The art of Pounamu carving is a tradition steeped in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), a practice that transforms raw greenstone into meaningful taonga (treasures). One such creation is the “Mana Taonga,” a toki (adze) that is more than a mere ornament; it is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. The Mana…
Crafted from the rich, dark green stone native to New Zealand, this Pounamu pendant takes the shape of the Ruru, New Zealand’s native owl. The carving, with its smooth, curved lines, mirrors the Ruru’s natural silhouette. The pendant’s colour is a deep forest green with lighter green hues, resembling the shades of the New Zealand…
The Ngākau Aroha set encapsulates the essence of affection and connection that is deeply rooted in the New Zealand Māori culture. From a single piece of kawa kawa Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, these taonga – a three-centimeter heart and a five-centimeter circle with a double koru – are named to reflect the love…
Carving, at its core, is an intimate act of transformation and storytelling. A recent visitor to our workshop brought in two unique stones she had unearthed while fossicking. These stones, carrying the whispers of the land, have now been shaped into pendants – not just ornaments, but symbols of connection and memory. The crafting of…
The huia, a now-extinct bird that was native to New Zealand, is remembered for its striking plumage and distinctive tail feathers. In Maori culture, the huia feather is a symbol of nobility, worn traditionally by high-ranking individuals. It is a physical representation of leadership and mana (prestige). Capturing this significance, an 11cm black jade carving…
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Roimata pendant, a treasure from the heart of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Crafted from Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, this pendant is not just a piece of jewelry but a taonga, a cherished possession with deep cultural significance. The Roimata shape, characterized by its elongated form,…
Creating a meaningful connection with the essence of Aotearoa through art and taonga is a journey well represented by this exquisite set of Pounamu toki and earrings. Each piece holds a story, a spirit, and a cultural significance that transcends its physical beauty. The toki, measuring about 5cm, is a traditional Maori carving shape that…
The toki, or adze, is a traditional Maori tool that once played a vital role in the daily life of Maori communities. Carved from the revered greenstone, the toki now serves as a pendant, offering not only a visual connection to the past but also a symbolic representation of power, wisdom, and authority. The toki…
In the realm of Pounamu, each piece is not just a work of art but a narrative sculpted into stone, carrying the whispers of Aotearoa’s majestic landscape and the cultural legacy of its people. Today, we delve into the story behind a Toki pendant, a masterpiece crafted from the revered Pounamu. The carving process is…
In the hands of a carver, Pounamu is transformed into more than just an adornment; it becomes a narrative etched in stone, a tangible representation of family bonds and shared stories. This narrative is told through the ‘Whānau Tūhono’ set, a collection of Pounamu pendants specially carved for a family, embodying their unity and individual…