The ruru, or morepork, holds a special place in the heart of Aotearoa’s natural world. As a nocturnal guardian, it embodies wisdom, intuition, and the mysteries of the night. This small but powerful bird is often associated with protection, guidance, and the ability to see through darkness – qualities embodied in the Māori concept of…
This toki, named Angitu Manawanui by its owner, is a beautiful piece imbued with deep meaning. Carved from Inanga pounamu featuring stunning Pīpīwharauroa chatoyancy, the pounamu itself originates from the Arahura River on the South Island of New Zealand. Measuring approximately 8cm in length, this toki is a powerful symbol of success achieved through unwavering…
The phrase “Tū Kotahi” in Māori means “standing together as one”. It’s the perfect name for the special set of toki I recently had the privilege to carve for a father and son in France. The toki is a traditional Māori taonga (treasure) pendant, shaped like an adze, a woodworking tool important in our culture….
This special piece, my first ever hei tiki carving (Whakairia), holds deep meaning for me. Crafted from serpentine pounamu in a vibrant green with dramatic black dendrites, it stands at 11cm and hangs from a braided tan cord. But there’s something unique about this hei tiki. You’ll notice a visible flaw on the left side…
This recent commission project held a special significance for me. It was a request for a pair of pounamu roimata (teardrop) pendants, one for a father and one for his son. The name I chose for this set, Aroha Kotahi, means “love as one” in Maori, perfectly reflecting the connection between them. The roimata design…
This beautiful pounamu toki was a recent commission piece I completed here at Campbell Carving. Measuring just 5cm in height, it’s a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The pounamu itself is a stunning piece of kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River on the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa pounamu is renowned for…
Carved from captivating kawakawa pounamu (greenstone), this pounamu pikorua is more than a beautiful taonga (treasure). It’s a symbol steeped in Maori cultural tradition, whispering stories of connection, unity, and enduring bonds. The very material of this pikorua, kawakawa pounamu, holds significance. Prized for its deep green hues and often featuring inclusions of white or…
For centuries, pounamu (greenstone) has held a sacred place in Maori culture, revered for its beauty, strength, and spiritual significance. This 4cm kawakawa pounamu cross pendant embodies this legacy, offering a touch of the divine in a captivating piece of jewelry. The cross is carved from kawakawa pounamu, a type of greenstone prized for its…
This stunning 8cm toki pendant, name Ara Toa (Path of Courage), embodies the captivating beauty of pounamu (greenstone) and the rich symbolism of both Maori and Celtic cultures. Carved from inanga pounamu, a captivating stone known for its light green hues and mesmerizing pipiwharauroa chatoyancy, this toki features a unique twist – a Celtic knot…
The Arahura River, carving its path through the heart of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), is a place of immense natural beauty and cultural significance. For generations, Maori carvers have sought pounamu (greenstone) from its waters, recognizing its strength and beauty as a material fit for taonga (treasure). This 5cm toki pendant, hand-carved from kawakawa…