Niho Pounamu – “Manawa Toa” (Heart of Strength)

This 7cm Niho Pounamu taonga holds a deeply personal story. It was commissioned by a husband for his wife, who is courageously undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. He sent me several large Pounamu cobbles, and from these, we carefully selected a rich, deep forest green stone with gorgeous light patterning. The color and patterns in the stone perfectly symbolise the journey she is on – strength, resilience, and beauty despite hardship.

The name of this taonga is “Manawa Toa,” which translates to “Heart of Strength.” This name was chosen to reflect the inner courage and determination she has shown throughout her life and continues to show in her battle against cancer. Just as the heart beats to keep us alive, her strength beats within her, keeping her moving forward through difficult times. The niho shape is symbolic of protection and tenacity, much like the shark’s tooth it is modeled after.

In crafting this piece, I wanted to ensure that it truly represented not only her strength but the support and love surrounding her. The video below shows the process of cutting the cobble that became this taonga, capturing the moment we discovered the stone that would become Manawa Toa.

This piece serves as a reminder of the power within, and I hope it gives her strength and comfort on her journey.