Listening to the stone.
Hand-carved pounamu from Te Waipounamu.
Tēnā koe.
Ko Moumoukai tōku maunga
Ko Nūhaka tōku awa
Ko Takitimu tōku waka
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu tōku iwi
Ko Ngāti Rakaipaaka tōku hapū
Ko Kahungunu tōku marae
Ko Cameron Smith ahau
Cam began carving in 2021 as a way to reconnect with his whakapapa. A self-taught carver, he prefers to listen to the stone and work with it rather than against it. His pieces highlight the beautiful diversity of pounamu in Te Waipounamu, combining traditional shapes with organic forms and always highlighting the integrity and beauty of the stone. Cam takes pride in his process, from selecting the stone, carving each unique piece, and hand-sanding each one for a refined finish. He is a New Zealand Certified Carver through Ngāi Tahu.
Varieties of Pounamu.
Pounamu is the lifeblood of the South Island. Over millions of years, the earth's immense pressure and unique minerals have birthed distinct varieties. Each type carries its own distinct character, named by early Māori for the natural world it mirrored.
Kawakawa
The strongest and darkest of the stones, defined by bold emerald hues and striking black flecks. Named after the native kawakawa plant.
Kahurangi
Translating to 'precious possession', this is the lightest and most translucent of the stones, historically reserved for rangatira.
Inanga
Named for freshwater whitebait, this variety possesses a pearly-grey appearance with soft, calming grey-green tones.
Putiputi
Often referred to as Flower Jade, Putiputi showcases the richest greens enhanced by vibrant yellow and gold blooms within the stone.
Totoweka
Features a deep green base with vivid reddish-brown tints, historically likened to the blood of the native, protected Weka bird.
Kōkopu
Named for the native trout, this diverse stone features a speckled texture shifting through tones of reddish-brown and blue.
Raukaraka
Defined by striking yellow and orange tones seamlessly blending into a green base. Named for the native Karaka tree.
Top of the South
Hailing from Te Tauihu, this collection includes the rare Nelson grossular garnets and the storied bowenite of D'Urville Island.
The Forms.
Traditional Māori forms carry distinct meanings. These forms serve as physical reminders of our connections to the land, our ancestors, and ourselves.
Hei Toki
The Hei Toki, or adze, represents strength and determination. It is a reminder to carve your own destiny and navigate life's adversities with focus. Traditionally the toki was used as a chisel-like tool for cutting and carving.
Roimata
The teardrop is a symbol of empathy and healing. It acknowledges shared joy and sorrow and offers grounding energy during times of transition.
Porowhita
The closed circle represents the eternal cycle of life and nature, signifying the interconnectedness of all living things.
Niho
Modelled after the whale's tooth, this is a symbol of guardianship, speaking with authority, and the wisdom passed through your lineage.
Breastplates
Worn centrally over the heart, the breastplate is a spiritual shield representing powerful protection, status, and deep-rooted mana.
Pito Cutters
A ceremonial tool representing the paradox of birth: the physical severing that simultaneously establishes spiritual grounding to the earth.