Te Whakatere – The Navigator

I recently had the privilege of carving this beautiful Pounamu Hoe, named Te Whakatere (The Navigator), which holds a story as profound as its design. The stone was brought to me by a customer who had been gifted the raw Pounamu by a close friend. Wanting to honour their bond, he decided to have something meaningful crafted to gift back to his friend, symbolising their shared journey and connection.

The Hoe (paddle) is a traditional Māori design that symbolises navigation, teamwork, and the collective effort needed to move forward in life. It is a reminder that we never navigate life alone and that our relationships help us steer through challenges and opportunities. The act of giving this Hoe back to his friend deepens that symbolism, representing the reciprocity and strength of their bond.

The stone itself is stunning, with intricate patterns that reflect the uniqueness of its journey. I was able to preserve a slice of the raw Pounamu for the customer, so he could hold onto a piece of the original stone, maintaining a tangible connection to its story.

Creating Te Whakatere was an honour, not just as an artist, but as someone who values the stories and connections these taonga represent. This Hoe will stand as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared journey of these two friends.