Oronegro
Roimata Pounamu Aotearoa New Zealand Greenstone
Roimata Pounamu Aotearoa New Zealand Greenstone
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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.
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Care instructions
Our Taonga & jewellery is made of high-quality metals and stones, that are made to be worn daily however they can still be damaged through contact with harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and collisions. Keep your Taonga/jewellery away from chlorinated water as it can erode the metal, Avoid any hard knocks and scratches to your stones. If your stones look dry, rub it against your skin or rub a small amount of natural oil such as olive or coconut on to it.
Gifting Pounamu
Pounamu is a tangible expression of love and appreciation, a physical gift that carries the essence of New Zealand's land and culture. Sourced from the heart of Aotearoa, this precious stone serves as a reminder of the significant place we call home, imbued with the rich cultural meaning of Māori whakairo (carving) traditions. When we gift pounamu, we are not only sharing a piece of New Zealand’s history but also intertwining it with our own personal stories, creating a connection that honors both the land and the people we cherish.
We invite you, when gifting a piece of pounamu, to wear it yourself before presenting it to your loved one. During this time, reflect on the blessing they are in your life. As the stone absorbs your skin oils, it will carry a part of you, creating a deeply personal connection that your friend will cherish.
Want to see more?
We are located in the heart of Auckland's CBD, making it easy for you to visit our store and experience the beauty of our handcrafted pieces in person. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or simply want to explore our collection, we'd love to welcome you and share the stories behind our creations. Come and visit us today!