Whanaunui

This is a large set for an extended whanau, mums, dads, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties, young and old.

The pieces of pounamu we started with made their final forms obvious as roimata and tear drops. I decided to keep the similarity of form as a source of connection as well as the fact that they are all from the same piece of pounamu.

This set was all made from the same piece of pounamu. Often I make specific pieces for custom for each person, however, in this set the customer let me make the design decisions myself and the final wearer of each pounamu was to be decided once they are all finished.

Part of the design process is selecting the cord color. I wanted to showcase the variety possible with this set. You can mix and match the colors for the plait and have a separate color for the lashing of the actual pendant as well. I really like the earthy tones.

Often the process of rough to final product is left only in the mind of the carver. It is special to have an insight into what you pounamu was before the idea and motivation was put together to shape it into what it is now.