Te Hononga Tuku Iho
Te Hononga Tuku Iho means “The Connection That Is Passed Down.” It reflects the way these pieces carry both memory and whakapapa forward through the whānau. This commission transformed two forgotten pieces of Pounamu into a collection that can be shared among family members, each piece carrying a lasting connection to someone they loved.
This commission began with two pieces of Pounamu that had belonged to a much-loved sister and daughter who had passed away. The family didn’t even know the stone existed until they began sorting through her belongings. Once they found it, they decided the most meaningful thing they could do was share it amongst themselves so everyone could carry a connection to her.
Together we planned how to make the best use of both pieces of stone. Rather than creating a single carving, we designed a complete set consisting of four display touchstones, one hei toki, and one niho. This allowed the Pounamu to remain with several members of the whānau while making the most of the available material.
One piece is a beautiful pale green Pounamu with a shimmering, inanga-like appearance. Held in the light it has a soft glow that reminds me of snow-covered mountain tops in Te Waipounamu. The darker green stone appears to be from the same region, although without knowing its history I can only make an educated guess about its origin. Regardless of where it came from, its greatest significance comes from the journey it has taken through this family.
The hei toki symbolises strength, determination and the ability to move forward while carrying the support of those who came before us. The niho represents courage, resilience and protection. Together with the touchstones, the collection gives each family member something they can hold onto, whether it is worn every day or kept in a special place within the home.
Commissions like this remind me that Pounamu is often far more than a beautiful stone. It carries memories, relationships and stories that continue long after someone is gone. It was a privilege to help transform these two pieces into taonga that will keep that connection alive for generations to come.
