Hei Matau

Te Waka

Here is “Te Waka,” a beautiful Pounamu Hei Matau. This piece is crafted from exquisite Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the South Westland region. The Hei Matau is known for its distinctive shape and rich cultural significance in Māori tradition.

“Te Waka” is made from Kawakawa Pounamu, renowned for its striking green color. This particular stone features unique Totoweka (reddish-brown) inclusions that reveal themselves when held up to the light, adding a special touch to the piece. The pendant measures 6cm in height and showcases the natural beauty and intricate patterns of the Pounamu.

I have named this Hei Matau “Te Waka,” meaning “The Canoe” in Māori. The Hei Matau symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and safe journey, especially over water. It is traditionally associated with strength and determination, embodying the skills and knowledge of the great Māori navigators who traveled vast distances across the ocean. The name “Te Waka” reflects the connection to these seafaring ancestors and the journeys they undertook.

Creating “Te Waka” was a fulfilling experience, blending traditional Māori symbolism with the natural beauty of Kawakawa Pounamu. This Hei Matau serves as a reminder of the strength, determination, and resilience inherent in all of us. It is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of Aotearoa.

Ngā Hononga – Connections

I recently completed a special commission using Kawakawa Pounamu from the Arahura River. This set, which I have named Ngā Hononga, meaning “The Connections,” includes a Hei Matau and a Roimata, both carved from the same deep green, very translucent piece of Pounamu. The name Ngā Hononga was chosen to emphasize the profound bond between…

Hei Matau | Sets

Nesting Hei Matau – Flower Jade

This is a gorgeous set of Hei Matau made from Marsden Flower Jade, or Putiputi. The yellow and orange patterning in the ‘flowers’ in the pounamu that it is named for. It come from one place in New Zealand, Marsden. This set was made for a couple. It symbolises their eternal love and connectedness. They…

Hei Matau | Hei Toki | Koru | Meaningful Stories | Sets

Tatau Pounamu – Unbroken Bond

I had the privilege of carving a special set of Pounamu, named Tatau Pounamu, commissioned by a father for himself and his children. “Tatau Pounamu” translates to “The Unbroken Bond,” symbolising the unbreakable connection between the father and his children, who live with their mother. Despite the distance, these pendants serve as a reminder of…

Hei Matau

Rongo Whenua

When I received a commission request from a gentleman in France, I knew this project would be special. He specifically chose a slice of inanga pounamu for its unique coloring and contrasting black features. The result is a beautiful pendant named Rongo Whenua, which means “Peaceful Land.” This pendant embodies protection, renewal, and a deep…

Hei Matau

Te Manu Kaha

“Te Mānu Kaha,” a beautifully carved Hei Matau, or fish hook, infused with the cultural essence of Aotearoa. The name “Te Mānu Kaha” translates to “The Strong Bird,” symbolizing strength, resilience, and the journey through life. Crafted from Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from South Westland, this piece stands out with its striking reddish-brown Totoweka coloring, which…

Hei Matau

Marino – Calm Water

This recently completed piece is called Marino, meaning “Calm Waters.” It measures 35mm and is carved from highly translucent gem-grade kahurangi pounamu. The customer, for whom I had previously created a larger taonga, reached out again after experiencing discomfort due to ongoing medical challenges. He requested a smaller, more comfortable design that he could wear…

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