{"product_id":"silver-pekapeka-with-pounamu-pendant-by-karaitiana-akroyd-1","title":"Silver Pekapeka with Pounamu Pendant | by Karaitiana Akroyd","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful silver Pekapeka with Pounamu pendant has been crafted \u003cspan\u003eby Karaitiana Akroyd - Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te-Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tūhoe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Pekapeka is a very old carved form representing the native New Zealand bat. The Pekapeka design is commonly accepted to symbolise spiritual protection and guardianship with its two heads representing balance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePounamu is the Māori name for greenstone or nephrite jade which is only found in the South Island. It is an extremely tough material. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\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":45666496610495,"sku":"325594","price":940.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0355\/4193\/files\/SilverPekapekawithPounamuPendantbyKaraitianaAkroyd2-1.jpg?v=1780022247","url":"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/products\/silver-pekapeka-with-pounamu-pendant-by-karaitiana-akroyd-1","provider":"Auckland Museum Online Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}