Te Ara Kōhatu – The Journey of the Stone

Creating this set of Pounamu has been a truly special journey, and it feels only fitting to name it Te Ara Kōhatu, which translates to The Journey of the Stone. This name reflects not only the path the Pounamu has taken—from being discovered by the customer to being shaped into these four pieces—but also the connection between the customer, the land, and the taonga now created.

Porohita (Circle)

At the heart of the set is a large porohita, a display piece crafted from pale green Pounamu with striking dark patterns. The circle represents unity, wholeness, and the endless cycle of life. Its light tones and intricate natural patterning make it a stunning centerpiece that speaks to the beauty of nature and connection. The bar lashing completes the piece, grounding its meaning and making it ideal for display.

Traditional Toki

The toki, a wearable piece, is carved from darker Pounamu with vibrant green highlights. This traditional design symbolises strength, resilience, and leadership. The contrasting shades within the stone can remind us that even in life’s darkest moments, there is always light to be found.

Roimata for Wearing

The roimata, also designed to be worn, symbolises emotional healing and connection. Its teardrop shape reflects love, compassion, and the bonds that tie us together. Made from the same darker Pounamu as the toki, it carries the same striking patterns that represent resilience and hope.

Large Roimata for Display

This large roimata is a piece to be displayed, a stunning taonga that showcases the richness of the darker Pounamu. Its scale and presence make it a statement piece that honours the stone’s origins and its transformation. While it could be worn, its size lends itself better to being admired daily as a work of art and a symbol of strength.

Why Te Ara Kōhatu?

The name Te Ara Kōhatu encapsulates the journey of this Pounamu—from being found by the customer, to its transformation into taonga, to the meaning each piece now carries. The word Ara represents a pathway or journey, while Kōhatu speaks to the stone itself. Together, they symbolise not just the physical journey of the stone, but also the emotional and cultural connections it holds.

The set tells a story of discovery and transformation, of unity and individuality. Each piece has its own purpose and symbolism, yet together they form a cohesive whole, much like a family or a community. The fact that the customer discovered the stone themselves adds another profound layer of meaning, connecting them directly to the land and the origins of these taonga.

A Celebration of Connection

Te Ara Kōhatu is more than a set of carvings; it is a celebration of the connection between people and the whenua of Aotearoa. The pale greens of the porohita contrast beautifully with the darker tones of the other pieces, showing the diversity and beauty of Pounamu, much like the diversity within our own lives and relationships.

For me as a carver, it has been an honour to shape this stone into taonga that carries such personal significance. Each piece is a reminder of the land, the journey, and the enduring connections we hold to both.