Whanaunui

A big and beautiful set for a big and beautiful kaupapa.

A set of pounamu all cut from the same raw source is a significant way to represent and deepen a connection with people. This pounamu was created deep under the earth under tremendous heat and pressure. Since it cooled these pieces have laid side by side in the raw pounamu for ages.

Now after they have been separated and crafted into taonga, they still have that share whakapapa and connection from where the came.

The above kuru is for the wahine toa that organised this big set.

The kuru above with the honey lashing on it is for one of her very good and close friends.

The toki with the koru carved in it is for her eldest son.

The sharks tooth, or mako niho, is for the second eldest son. The small koru in the surface of this is to represent his twin. His twin did not survive long after birth, and this is a way to remember and connect with that significant part of life.

This is for the eldest girl. The three notches down the side are to represent her siblings.

And this special piece, a whales tail, is for the baby that is still to be born. A very special taonga.