Te Marama Mana

I have named this taonga Te Marama Mana — the moon of strength and authority. This piece is about presence. It is about mana wahine. It represents a woman who stands fully in who she is, steady and assured, carrying her influence with calm confidence.

Carved as a marama, the circular form speaks to completeness and unity. The moon has long been associated with feminine energy, cycles, intuition, and leadership that does not need to dominate in order to be powerful. The marama governs tides, growth, and rhythm. It moves with certainty. In the same way, mana wahine is not loud or forced. It is grounded, enduring, and deeply influential.

The Kawakawa Pounamu is deep and rich in colour, strong and solid. Running through it are white cloud-like featherings that move across the surface. Rather than shadow, they feel like movement and life within the stone — like energy flowing. When held to the light, the edges glow with a beautiful halo. That glow feels symbolic of inner strength shining outward. The power is already there. The light simply reveals it.

The three-hole ringbolt lashing at the top holds the marama securely and cleanly, allowing the circle to remain the focus. It is a practical and strong binding, reflecting support and stability — the structures that allow a woman’s mana to flourish and be carried confidently.

Te Marama Mana is a taonga that honours strength, resilience, and feminine authority. It represents a woman who carries her story, her whakapapa, and her influence with pride. A steady force. A guiding presence. Full, powerful, and complete.