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Huia Feather
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…
Cobble to Taonga
At Campbell Carving, we’re constantly amazed by the natural wonders that come through our doors. Recently, a customer brought in a pounamu cobble they found on the beach. What appeared to be an unassuming stone held a hidden treasure trove of colour inside! This particular pounamu revealed stunning shades of green, ranging from deep emerald…
Waiora: A Roimata Carved from Douglas Creek Pounamu
The roimata, with its teardrop shape, is a deeply touching pounamu (greenstone) design. The name I’ve chosen for this piece, “Waiora”, means “life-giving water” or “healing water”, reflecting the roimata’s symbolism of support and renewal. This slender pendant, widening towards a gently curved, rounded base, feels soft and soothing despite being carved from stone. The…
Te Awhi Tahi – Unified Embrace
This recent commission has been an incredible honour to create, especially as it is for a family friend from my childhood. The piece holds special significance, as one of their siblings is about to have her first child, and this Roimata represents the deep love and support of her large family. What makes it even…
He Aho Whānau – The Thread of Family
Some taonga carry not just the beauty of the stone but also the weight of deep familial connections. This set of three taonga, named He Aho Whānau, was created from a single block of Pounamu gifted to my customer by his father, who has since passed. The stone was already precious, filled with memories and…