Whanautahi

This is a spectacular pounamu and a spectacular set of carvings for this whanau.

It is made from inganga pounamu from the Arahura river. It has chatoyant or pipiwhirauroa characteristics which can make it shimmer in the light. It is named for the long tail feathers of the pipiwhirauroa.

First steps were choosing the slices to use and roughing out the shapes needed.

Each piece went on its own journey from there to become its final form. The Koru has two aspects, it represents new beginnings, growth, movement, change, and being open. It can also represent protecting, connection with others, nurturing, and when interlocked with other Koru it represents loving relationships and family/whanau.

The fern and koru are inseparable symbols as the koru is the shape that new fern fronds take as the unfold from the center of the fern.

The manaia took the most time as it had the most detail. A manaia is a birds head with a serpent body and often a fish tail in some form. They are kaitiaki, protectors and are usually depicted side on so represent that one side is in the spirit realm acting as kaitiaki for the wearer.

Hei Toki are one of my favourite shapes, they are such a strong symbol. The modern Hei Toki, often worn around the neck as a pendant, represents foremost strength, authority, and leadership. It is can also a symbol of power, courage, wisdom, determination, self-control, and focus.