Kaha – Pounamu Pendant

It was an honor and privilege to create this taonga.

When I was first contacted about making this, the kaupapa behind was very moving and it is exactly what pounamu is about for me.

This is a gift for a young woman. She tragically lost her 12 year old sister a few years ago to cancer, a tremendously significant event. This pendant is to represent hope, struggle leading to strength, being true to who you are, and love for those gone before us.

This is what came to me. Two Koru, one for each of the girls. These koru transition into a representation of our ‘path’ in life. These paths can lead behind, away into struggle, as they go behind the koru, then emerge with a clear direction and strength to continue.

Two really cool requests as we went along. The one above is of a raukura, something special to both the girls, it is a beautiful way to make this piece unique and significant.

The second is even more special. A small hole to place a hair of the sister that passed. It would be fixed in there with resin and create a physical link. Amazing.

This was a taonga that had to be made, I couldn’t say no.

E rua tau ruru; e rua tau wehe; e rua tau mutu; e rua tau kai.

Two seasons of drought; two seasons of scarcity; two seasons of crop failure; two seasons of plenty.

Persevere, keep at it, success will follow.