Piupiu Aonui Earrings | by Keri-Mei Zagrobelna

These beautiful Piupiu Aonui earrings in sterling silver, oxidized silver, and 10ct gold plated silver are made by Keri-Mei Zagrobelna - Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Te Āti Awa. 
Aonui (or aronui) are the triangular patterns featured. The design refers to the pursuit of knowledge about the natural world. Piupiu is a māori woven knee-length skirt usually crafted from harakeke (flax).

Keri-Mei comes from a background entwined in museums and art, worlds in which both her grandmother and mother worked. She practices art in memory of these wonderful wāhine (women) and to acknowledge her tīpuna (ancestors). The aesthetic of Keri-Mei's work represents the connectedness to her immediate environment and upbringing. It speaks of cultural communication and interpersonal relationships, "I use jewellery as my language and speak through my hands. My eyes hear my thoughts and translate. Jewellery making is a medium by which I can communicate my heritage to both local and global audiences. I seek to nurture and encourage others through my work, by way of my actions and choices as an artist".

Keri-Mei has previously exhibited at Pataka Gallery Museum of Arts and Cultures and The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. She has also co-presented at the International JEMposium and represented New Zealand at the World Art Games in Slovakia 2015. Keri-Mei was also part of the New Zealand delegation that attended the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts, Guam in May, 2016.

Made in New Zealand