Collection: Roimata

Roimata meaning tear (of crying), grief and renewed life. This taonga embodies the energy of healing, shared emotions, empathy, and connectivity to the land.

Roimata toroa describes the tukutuku pattern formed with stitches that fall vertically, like albatross tears. In Te Ao Mãori, the Toroa (albatross) is sacred. Maori acknowledge the albatross as wanderers; woven mats depict Nga Roimata Toroa, the tears of the albatross, as it wept for its distant homeland, or breeding ground.

The albatross feather is a spiritual symbol of peace to those affiliated with Taranaki rohe. Te Raukura represents spiritual, physical, and communal harmony and unity.  It is an acknowledgement of a higher spiritual power, which transcends itself upon earth.  It is a symbol of faith, hope, and compassion.

Māori knowledge, mātauranga intrinsically recognises that all animate and inanimate elements are infused with spirit or living essence; encompassing the element of stewardship, or kaitiakitanga, associated with the term when it is used in relation to resources, including land and water.

OUR STORY

Our stones are sourced from the Arahura River on the West Coast of the South Island. All our pieces are carved by hand and finished off using the traditional method of sanding by hand with a sandstone stick. We follow the Maori Whakairo (carving) protocols closely and we strive to craft Taonga (treasures) that honour the traditions of the Tangata Whenua (People of the land) of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

CARE OF YOUR TAONGA

Pounamu polishes and shines itself overtime by absorbing the natural oils of your skin. Likewise, rubbing into the stone’s surface a natural oil such as olive or coconut oil will also add lustre. Our pounamu can be worn daily, yet care should  be taken to minimise impact which could potentially cause hairline cracks or breaks. Wearing your pounamu close to the skin will always act as a protective measure.