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 more meaningful is that each of her 6 siblings will wear the taonga for a time before it is finally gifted to her. This Roimata serves as a symbol of unity, family, and the embrace they all extend to the new mother and her child.

The lashing at the top of the Roimata features 12 wraps, each representing the arms of the siblings who surround her with love and support, embracing her and her new journey into motherhood.

I’ve named this taonga “Te Awhi Tahi”, which translates to “The Unified Embrace.” The name reflects the intention behind the piece: the entire family joining together to embrace their sister and her child. The symbolism of the Roimata is deeply connected to aroha (love) and emotional connection, and this one goes beyond that to represent the combined love of a family that will always be there to support her.

The Pounamu itself has a beautiful mottled pattern, with deep greens flowing through to lighter shades, and even some almost white spots, giving the piece a unique, natural character. The colours represent both the depth of emotion and the purity of new life.

This is a truly special piece, one that carries the mana of family and aroha, and I’m proud to have been a part of its creation.