Whāriki o te Maunga

This is a very special set, made during the unexpected and tragic passing of a great man, son, father, and partner. We are forever connected to those close to us that pass; they are always with us. Having pounamu taonga is a way to have a tangible piece of that connection with us moving forward.

This set is all made from the same slice of pounamu. It was selected for its character, it is reminiscent of the wind flowing through the mountains, which is where Lewis spent much of his time. It is from the Arahura River, inanga pounamu, which is the pale green pastel coloring. The banding and patterns are called pipiwharauroa pounamu as they can shimmer in the light and look like the plumage of the pipiwharauroa/shining cuckoo bird.

Toki (Shape of the Piece Made for Lewis)

Traditionally, toki represents leadership, authority, and personal power; these are all fitting attributes for Lewis. On the back of the toki for him, is carved a cross-hatch representing a whāriki/mat.

As we go through life, we pull the threads of different people to us and weave our own whāriki, our own journey. Many threads and many people have been pulled into Lewis’ whāriki through his non-judgmental compassion, wit and humour, love of the mountains, and desire to help others grow into the best versions of themselves.

This pendant will be used as a memorial for him and will rest in a special place (yet to be determined where this will be) where all those that were woven into his whāriki can gather and connect.

Roimata (For His Partner, His Mother, and His Daughter)

Roimata is traditionally a symbol of healing, comfort, and strength. The grooves carved into each of these represent their own thread, a thread that is inextricably woven into Lewis’s whāriki and always will be.

Whenever this groove is seen or felt, it will serve as a reminder of the connection between their own thread and the special person that they have lost.

Swirling Patterns in the Original Slice

You can see the swirling patterns in the original slice here that was chosen and why it is so right for this kaupapa. These four separate pendants were first connected together when they were formed eons ago deep under the earth. Then see the process to cut and shape them into what they are now. These pendants will be forever connected due to this strong shared whakapapa.