Tangiwai Roimata

Today, I want to share a recent creation: a tangiwai pounamu roimata, a teardrop pendant carved from a particularly beautiful piece of translucent tangiwai pounamu.

Measuring just 4cm long and adorned with a sleek black lashing, this roimata is a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The near-translucency of the pounamu allows light to dance within the stone, creating an ever-shifting interplay of light and shadow. It’s a reminder of the preciousness of tears, those wellsprings of emotion that can cleanse and heal.

The word “tangiwai” translates to “tears,” while “roimata” simply means “tear.” For Maori, the roimata holds a significant place. It symbolizes not just sorrow and grief, but also the deep connection we share with the land (whenua) and those who have passed on.

This particular roimata feels imbued with a quiet strength. The cool smoothness of the stone is a comfort to hold, and its translucency feels almost otherworldly. It’s a piece that could accompany someone through a time of mourning, offering solace and a reminder of the enduring presence of those we love.

Of course, the beauty of pounamu is in its versatility. This roimata could also represent a single tear of joy, a moment of pure happiness captured in stone. The interpretation is yours.

This tangiwai pounamu roimata is a unique piece, and like all our carvings at Campbell Carving, it’s been crafted with respect for the taonga (treasure) that is pounamu.