Kōtahitanga Koru – Spirals of Unity
I recently had the pleasure of carving a special set of Pounamu pendants for a mother and her first daughter. These pieces, made from the gorgeous and translucent Inanga Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, are a testament to the strength and unity of their family. This set is named Kotahitanga Koru, meaning “Unity Spiral,” chosen to represent the interconnectedness and collective strength of the family, symbolised by the connected koru forms in the pendants.
The use of koru in these pendants is particularly meaningful. The koru, with its spiral shape inspired by the unfurling silver fern frond, represents growth, nurturing, and the unfolding of new life. It’s a powerful symbol of how family members support and uplift each other, growing together in an intergenerational way. Each koru in the mother’s pendant represents a member of the family, highlighting their individual roles and contributions to the family’s collective strength and unity.
The mother’s pendant is a stunning piece featuring four korus meeting in the middle. Each koru represents a member of the family: herself, her husband, her daughter, and their soon-to-be-born child. The koru, a classic Māori symbol, signifies new beginnings, growth, and harmony. By intertwining these korus, the pendant beautifully encapsulates the essence of family unity and the intergenerational bond that nurtures and sustains them.
The daughter’s pendant is a Hei Matau in the form of a koru. This design represents the daughter as one of the korus in her mother’s pendant, symbolising her integral role within the family. The Hei Matau, or fish hook, traditionally symbolizes strength, prosperity, and safe travel, while the koru within it emphasizes her connection to her whānau (family) and her growth within it.
Creating this set was a special process, starting with selecting a beautiful slice of Inanga Pounamu from the Arahura River. From this single slice, I carved the two pendants, ensuring that they maintained their connection even after being separated. This shared origin adds an extra layer of meaning to the pendants, symbolizing the family’s unity and shared journey. The work in progress images show a small part of the transformation from the original slice to the detailed and polished taonga, highlighting the journey involved in creating these meaningful pieces.
These pendants are not just pieces of jewelry; they are taonga (treasures) that carry the deep significance of family, growth, and connection. They remind us of the importance of whānau and the nurturing relationships that help us grow.
If you are interested in bringing your ideas to life with a custom commission or set, I would love to work with you to create something special and meaningful. Please get in touch with me to discuss your vision and how we can make it a reality.
For more about my work and to see other pieces, visit Campbell Carving. Follow me on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my carving process:
