{"product_id":"breastplate-pounamu-pendant-by-karaitiana-akroyd","title":"Breastplate Pounamu Pendant | by Karaitiana Akroyd","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful breastplate been hand carved \u003cspan\u003efrom New Zealand pounamu (greenstone\/jade) by carver Karaitiana Akroyd - Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te-Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tūhoe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece showcases beautifully carved Koiri patterns. Koiri patterns consist of repeating koru forms that flow back and forth, branching endlessly. They are believed to symbolise the flourishing of nature and the breath of life. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Pounamu breastplate is commonly accepted as a shield, and believed that it imbues the wearer with strength, leadership and protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePounamu is the Māori name for greenstone or nephrite jade which is only found in the South Island. It is an extremely tough material and is said to absorb the owners essential spirit, feeding it back to them and enhancing their strength.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaraitiana Akroyd links to both the East and West Coasts of Te-Ika-a-Māui, Aotearoa. Karaitiana has carved for over 8 years and during this time he has been extremely dedicated to his craft, which rarely feels like work to Karaitiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving supported youth, young adults, and families who have experienced domestic violence, he sought a creative outlet for what became a heavy weight to carry. Karaitiana’s carving began with pounamu and quickly became a medium of creativity, self-care, and gift-giving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaraitiana was formally trained at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) - Te Takapū ō Rotowhio, New Zealand Stone and Bone carving school (2020-2022). He is appreciative of the opportunities he has been offered to date, including the many artists who have influenced Karaitiana’s art career. He feels privileged to have spent time with each of these individuals and is grateful to have had mentors such as Barry Te Whatu, Lewis Tamihana-Gardiner, Alan Hobbs, and Renate Verbrugge supporting him and his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaraitiana is based in Gisborne and carves a variety of media including pounamu, various stones and bone. He also creates large scale works.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade in New Zealand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Karaitiana Akroyd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44841259958463,"sku":"324432","price":1000.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0355\/4193\/files\/BreastplatewithKoiribyKaraitianaAkroyd1.jpg?v=1766528217","url":"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/en-us\/products\/breastplate-pounamu-pendant-by-karaitiana-akroyd","provider":"Auckland Museum Online Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}