David lives off-grid in rural North Canterbury in a mud brick home he built with his family. With a background in architectural design spanning 30 years, he brings a deep understanding of form, balance, and natural connection to his carving. His taonga reflect a life shaped by creativity, care for the environment, and a strong sense of place. Of European heritage, David draws inspiration from natural forms, diverse cultural influences, and the deep symbolism of Pounamu to create pieces that carry meaning and presence.
Carved by David Curtis, this 65mm niho is crafted from beautiful apple green pounamu with soft pale natural markings throughout the stone. Bold, sculpted points and flowing curves give the piece a strong presence, while three symbolic carved openings represent the connection between past, present, and future. The niho is a symbol of strength, protection, courage, and resilience.
Carved by David Curtis, this 70mm contemporary manaia presents a bold, geometric interpretation of a traditional form. Strong lines, flat surfaces, and crisp angles create a striking modern design while retaining the manaia’s enduring symbolism of protection, guidance, and spiritual guardianship.
Carved by David Curtis, this 60mm roimata is crafted from rich dark green kawakawa pounamu with soft cloudy white markings. Its slender, elegant form makes it comfortable for everyday wear, while the roimata symbolises healing, resilience, compassion, and emotional strength.
Carved by David Curtis, this 45mm roimata is crafted from deep green pounamu with a beautiful natural glow. Its clean, understated form makes it ideal for everyday wear, while the roimata symbolises healing, strength, compassion, and emotional resilience.
Carved by David Curtis, this 55mm hei toki is made from beautiful flower jade with soft pale greens, warm orange tones, and touches of darker green. Finished with a traditional single-hole drop-hole suspension, the attachment becomes a distinctive feature of the design. The hei toki is a symbol of strength, resilience, determination, and skilled craftsmanship.
Carved by David Curtis, this 70mm niho is crafted from vibrant flower jade with bright greens, soft white, and delicate golden-orange tones flowing naturally through the stone. A bold central feature with two open spaces creates depth and symmetry, while the niho symbolises strength, courage, protection, and resilience.
Carved by David Curtis, this 70mm roimata is crafted from beautiful flower jade with soft pale greens, warm orange tones, and touches of darker green. Its faceted form catches the light from every angle, while the exposed drop-hole suspension becomes a distinctive feature of the design. The roimata symbolises healing, strength, reflection, and emotional connection.
A 60mm Hei Matau carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, with the pale rind of the stone visible along the edge. Symbolises strength, safe passage, and life’s journey. A taonga for those guided by purpose.
The hei matau, or fishhook, symbolises prosperity, safe journeys, and connection to the moana. Hei Matau Toroa, named for its form reminiscent of the beak of the toroa (albatross), is an 80mm Pounamu pendant with a tan lashing. Its angled point gives strength to the design, while the stone shifts from soft light greens through to deep rich tones at the base.
Carved by David Curtis, this 70mm roimata is crafted from beautiful flower jade with soft pale greens, warm orange tones, and touches of darker green. Its faceted form catches the light from every angle, while the exposed drop-hole suspension becomes a distinctive feature of the design. The roimata symbolises healing, strength, reflection, and emotional connection.
A deep green Kawakawa Pounamu toki inspired by the form of the whao. Featuring soft white cloud-like inclusions, an angled base, and finished with a bar lashing and three-braided black cord.
A 78mm Toki carved from Kawakawa Pounamu with pale rind on one side and a scroll design at the top. It balances strength and scale with academic grace. A tactile taonga for thoughtful leadership.
Carved by David Curtis, this striking double Mangōpare pendant brings together two intertwined hammerhead sharks in a balanced, symmetrical design. Measuring 90 mm wide by 40 mm high, it is carved front and back with exceptional detail, creating a bold breastplate that symbolises strength, determination, protection, movement, and the power of partnership. A one-of-a-kind taonga that celebrates two lives travelling together.
Carved by David Curtis, this contemporary whai (stingray) is a bold, sculptural taonga formed from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu. At 85mm across, its sweeping curves and heart-like form give it both presence and meaning, reflecting the calm strength and connection carried by the whai.
Pounamu pendant with glowing pale to mid-green tones, a sharp point, and a strong ridge down each side. Finished with a three-hole ring bolt lashing and tan cord, it embodies the enduring qualities of resilience and guardianship.
Carved by David Curtis, this distinctive niho transforms a familiar form into something entirely its own. The upper edge appears to fold gracefully over itself like a rolled scroll, blending crisp edges with smooth flowing curves that showcase both the strength and fluidity of the stone. Finished with a horizontal suspension hole and tapering to a refined point, this taonga represents strength, courage, determination, and the continual shaping of one’s own path.
