The Arahura River, carving its path through the heart of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), is a place of immense natural beauty and cultural significance. For generations, Maori carvers have sought pounamu (greenstone) from its waters, recognizing its strength and beauty as a material fit for taonga (treasure). This 5cm toki pendant, hand-carved from kawakawa…
Taumutu, a small coastal settlement near Waihora, Lake Ellesmere, in New Zealand’s South Island, holds a rugged beauty shaped by the relentless sea. It was on this windswept beach that I discovered a beach pebble, a humble piece of ōnewa (greywacke) that whispered of hidden potential. With careful shaping and a respect for the stone’s…
Discover the captivating contrast and unique beauty of this 5cm toki pounamu pendant. Hand-carved to showcase the natural variations of pounamu, this piece blends the rich, deep green of kawakawa with a lighter, opaque green drawn from the stone’s outer rind. It’s a stunning tribute to the raw beauty of New Zealand’s precious stone. Kawakawa…
Discover the beauty and symbolism of the toki, a traditional Maori tool, in this exquisite hand-carved pounamu pendant. Measuring just 3.5cm high, this tiny toki is a masterpiece of detail and craftsmanship. The bright green pounamu shines, accented with distinct white and orange flower patterns that add a touch of unique beauty. A simple black…
Here at Campbell Carving, I believe pounamu is more than just a beautiful stone; it’s a vessel for stories and a powerful symbol of connection. Today, I want to share a particularly heartwarming project – a family pounamu set crafted from a single piece of pounamu from the South Westland region. I called this Whānau…
At Campbell Carving, we’re constantly amazed by the natural wonders that come through our doors. Recently, a customer brought in a pounamu cobble they found on the beach. What appeared to be an unassuming stone held a hidden treasure trove of colour inside! This particular pounamu revealed stunning shades of green, ranging from deep emerald…
This is a very special set. When I heard this story and what they wanted my heart went out to them. The father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This set is primarily for them as a tangible representation of his love and enduring presence after he is gone. Named He Aroha Tonutanga, which…
Basalt, a dense volcanic rock, has played a vital role in human history, its strength and durability shaping tools and structures across civilizations. In Aotearoa (New Zealand), basalt was a prized material for Māori artisans, particularly for crafting toki (adzes). Recently, I had the honor of carving a toki from a piece of basalt sourced…
Basalt, a dense and hard volcanic rock, has been a prized material for carving throughout New Zealand’s history. Its strength and durability made it ideal for both tools and adornments. I recently had the privilege of carving a toki (adze) from a piece of basalt sourced near Akaroa, a beautiful harbor town on the Banks…
I’m excited to unveil my latest carving, a small yet exquisite toki named “Te Matarau o Tangiwai”. This piece holds a special significance for me, not only for its beauty but also for the symbolism behind its name and the stone it’s crafted from. In traditional Māori culture, the toki (adze) represented strength, craftsmanship, and…