Hapopo Karengo Pounamu Roimata

Description

This 90mm roimata is carved from a beautiful piece of Hapopo Pounamu with distinctive karengo colouring. Karengo is the name given to this particular colouring by the person who mined the stone and from whom I sourced it. The name comes from the greenish-purple seaweed found around the area, reflected in the dark purplish and reddish tones running through the Pounamu.

There is a huge amount of variation within this piece. In natural light the darker karengo colouring gives it plenty of depth, but when held up to a light source the stone really comes alive. Deep blacks and dark purplish tones give way to different shades of green, right through to areas of pale īnanga green.

I have kept the overall roimata form simple to make the most of the stone. The sides run straight down its 90mm length, while the front and back are shaped with generous curves. This gives the taonga a substantial, smooth form and allows light to interact differently with the Pounamu as it moves.

Roimata means “tear” or “teardrop” and carries strong associations with emotion, healing and resilience. Tears can come through grief and hardship, but also through love, remembrance and deep connection. For me, the roimata represents acknowledging those experiences rather than leaving them behind. It can be worn as a reminder of the people, places and experiences that have shaped us, and of the strength gained through them.

I particularly like the combination of the simple roimata form and the complexity within this Hapopo Pounamu. Its karengo colouring and changing translucency mean there is always something different to see as the stone catches the light.

Size: 90mm

Material: Hapopo Karengo Pounamu/Nephrite Jade

Location: South Westland

Carver: Campbell Potter