Te Whatu Whānau – Whānau Pounamu Set

Te Whatu Whānau translates as “the family weave.” This name was chosen because this set is about many lives woven together from a single source. Every taonga in this set comes from the same gifted cobble of Pounamu, carrying the same whakapapa, yet each piece holds its own form, role, and meaning within the whānau. Like a weave, each strand is individual, but its strength and value come from being bound together.

This whānau was gifted a light green serpentine Pounamu cobble. Rather than separating its story, we opened the stone together, looked carefully at what was inside, and planned a set of taonga that would allow every member of the family to carry a piece of the same stone. The kaupapa was simple but powerful: shared origin, shared connection, and individual identity. Each person wears a taonga that reflects who they are, while still remaining part of a larger whole.

For the mother, I carved a heart. The heart form speaks directly to love, unity, and emotional strength. It represents the central role she plays within the whānau — holding everyone together, offering care, protection, and steady support. The light green tone of the stone gives the piece warmth and softness, while still carrying presence and mana.

For the father, I carved a large oval statement pendant. This is a substantial piece, designed to feel grounding and solid when worn. On the back, one side has been left with the original outer skin of the Pounamu, acknowledging the stone as it was found and honouring its natural journey. The oval form reflects stability and continuity, and the scale of the piece speaks to strength, responsibility, and being an anchor within the whānau.

For one of their sons, I carved a toki with two koru worked into the surface. The toki carries the traditional meaning of strength, purpose, and direction, while the koru represent growth, learning, and potential. Together, these elements speak to a young man developing his path, grounded in strength but always growing and evolving, supported by his whānau.

For their other son and his wahine, I carved a pair of koru designed to come together as a heart. These are two separate taonga that align to form a single shape, symbolising partnership, commitment, and shared life. One koru carries a darker green inclusion, while the other remains a pale, light green. The contrast reflects difference and balance within a relationship, while the shared stone keeps them connected to each other and to the wider whānau.

Te Whatu Whānau is a reminder that one stone can hold many stories. Each taonga in this set stands on its own, but none exist in isolation. Together, they carry a shared whakapapa, a shared origin, and the enduring connections that define a family.