{"product_id":"roimata-tangiwai-pounamu-pendant-by-sands-carving-studio","title":"Roimata Tangiwai Pounamu Pendant | by Sands Carving Studio","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful Roimata pendant has been carved from New Zealand Tangiwai Pounamu \u003cspan\u003eby Sands Carving Studio founded by carver Alex Sands- Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, English, Scottish and Irish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTangiwai is a very clear type of pounamu that looks almost like glass and usually appears olive-green to bluish-green. It is considered the oldest form of pounamu and is made from bowenite rock, which has a different composition from the more common nephrite. Most tangiwai comes from two small areas around Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). The name “tangiwai” means “tear-water,” from the Te reo words tangi (to cry) and wai (water or tears). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoimata translates to tears in Te reo Māori (Māori language).\u003cbr\u003eThe Roimata is a symbol of grief and sadness and is believed by some to reference the separation of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother).\u003cbr\u003eRainfall is said to be the tears of Ranginui lamenting his separation from Papatūānuku but without the separation of Rangi and Papa humankind would not thrive.\u003cbr\u003eThe Roimata represents healing and strength and holds a deep connection to the whenua (land).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlex Sands- Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, English, Scottish and Irish was\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eraised in New Zealand and for a time in China. It was while in China his love for creating began in soft stone carving. He carved small intricate things with basic tools, files and small chisels. At the age of 12 he was inspired by the jade creations of the world and the pounamu creations of his Māori ancestors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe was then given the opportunity to learn from one of the master jade carvers at the age of 13. Alex has since gained his diploma in Māori wood carving. Alex enjoys using one material to complement another, whether merging stone with bone or simply the colour of the cord used with a pendant. Natural New Zealand materials allow a diverse range of colour, character and use for jewellery, weapons, tools or musical instruments, all changing their intensity with age.\u003c\/span\u003e                     \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade in New Zealand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sands Carving Studio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45235426590911,"sku":"307561","price":280.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0355\/4193\/files\/307561RoimataPounamubySandsCarvingStudio1-2.jpg?v=1772742831","url":"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/products\/roimata-tangiwai-pounamu-pendant-by-sands-carving-studio","provider":"Auckland Museum Online Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}