Kotahitanga Porohita

One of the greatest joys of my work with pounamu is the collaborative journey I sometimes take with clients. Recently, I had the honor of working on a unique commission that embodied this spirit of collaboration with both the stone and the person who brought it to me.

The piece began as a beach pebble, a smooth, unassuming stone discovered on a coastal walk. Yet, the client who brought it to my workshop saw something special within it. They sensed a potential, a hidden form waiting to be revealed. It wasn’t the traditional boulder of greenstone, but there was a beauty in its simplicity and the story of where it came from.

Together, we decided that its inherent shape lent itself perfectly to a porohita – a circle. The porohita is a potent symbol in Maori culture, representing unity, completeness, and the cyclical nature of life. It seemed a fitting way to honor both the stone’s origins and the meaning the client wished to infuse within it.

As I worked on the stone, I was amazed by the depth of color revealed. Deep forest greens swirled alongside lighter hues, creating a mesmerizing pattern that reflected the layered journeys held within this small treasure. The finished porohita, measuring approximately 4cm across, is smooth and rests comfortably in the hand

We named the piece “Kotahitanga Porohita.” Kotahitanga speaks to a sense of collective action, shared purpose, and solidarity. It felt like the perfect name, acknowledging the shared journey between myself, the client, and the stone itself in creating this taonga (treasure).

This Kotahitanga Porohita stands as a beautiful reminder that treasures can be found in the most unexpected places. With respect and a sense of partnership, we can uncover hidden beauty and transform the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.