Te Pūtake

Te Pūtake translates as The Source or The Origin. This Hei Tiki was commissioned by a fellow kaiwhakairo pounamu as a reminder of where he comes from and the journey he is beginning. His father was a respected pounamu carver who no longer works the stone, and this taonga represents the next chapter of that story. It acknowledges the legacy that has been passed to him while recognising that he must now walk his own path. For him, this Hei Tiki is a connection to his whānau, his whenua, his people, and the pounamu itself. It is a reminder that moving forward with purpose begins with understanding where we come from.

Carved from pounamu supplied by the owner, this Hei Tiki measures 10cm in length and has substantial depth and presence. The core of the stone is rich Kawakawa Pounamu, while a band of pale green rind runs across the head, arm, and leg, creating a striking natural contrast. The carving features a prominent belly, deeply carved head, pāua eyes, and traditional sideways orientation. One hand reaches across the chest while the other rests upon the thigh, and the taonga is suspended on a Harakeke green lashing cord.

This piece was carved from a single slab, and the photographs included in this portfolio show the entire journey from the original slice of stone through to the finished taonga. The series follows the cutting, shaping, carving, and detailing process, including the fitting of the eyes and the moment the Hei Tiki truly began to reveal itself.

For me, commissions like this are particularly special. To be trusted by another carver to create a taonga that carries such personal meaning is a privilege. Te Pūtake is a reminder that every journey has a beginning, and that the strongest foundations are often found in the people, places, and traditions that shaped us long before we took our first steps.