Whānau Tūhono

In the hands of a carver, Pounamu is transformed into more than just an adornment; it becomes a narrative etched in stone, a tangible representation of family bonds and shared stories. This narrative is told through the ‘Whānau Tūhono’ set, a collection of Pounamu pendants specially carved for a family, embodying their unity and individual strengths. ‘Whānau Tūhono’, meaning ‘Connected Family’ in Māori, signifies the profound connection between the pendants and each family member they represent, a connection as enduring as the Pounamu itself. Each piece, while unique in its carving, is part of a greater whole, much like the members of the family it was crafted for.

Crafted for a family of four, each pendant in this set is a testament to unity and individuality, strength, and compassion. These are not just ornamental pieces; they are taonga, treasures that carry the essence of their owners and their shared bonds.

The father’s pendant, characterized by the toki shape, bears a circle at the back, symbolizing healing and health. The toki, traditionally a tool, in this context, represents the strength and courage that the head of the family embodies.

Mirroring the father’s resilience, the pendants for the sons are also shaped in the form of the toki. The toki, historically a tool used by Māori chiefs and warriors, is an emblem of strength and courage — qualities that the sons carry forward from their forebears. Inscribed with four lines along the edge, each son’s pendant is a tribute to the four pillars of their family, a testament to the foundational values that uphold their kinship and identity.

For the mother, a roimata pendant speaks volumes of her nurturing spirit. The graceful line carved down the side of her pendant juxtaposes strength with softness, symbolizing grace and compassion — qualities that define her role within the family.

What makes these pendants genuinely unique is that they were all carved from the same piece of Pounamu, signifying the unbreakable connection between the family members. The shared origin of the stone ensures that no matter where life takes them, they carry a piece of each other and their homeland.

Each pendant, while serving as a protective amulet, also serves as a reminder of the family’s values and the collective journey they are on. These Pounamu pieces are not mere accessories; they are a narrative, a visual representation of a family’s love, resilience, and heritage.

In the intricate lines and the polished surfaces of these Pounamu pendants, we find the timeless beauty of New Zealand’s natural treasure and the profound storytelling of the Maori tradition. These carvings stand as a lasting tribute to the family’s legacy and the artistry of Pounamu carving that brings such stories to life.