Whakakai Piko Pounamu Pendant - Large Greenstone Necklace | Handcrafted Maori Jewelry by Karaitiana Akroyd | Perfect for Cultural Gifts & Special Occasions

Product Description

This beautiful Whakakai Piko pendant has been hand carved from New Zealand pounamu (greenstone/jade) by carver Karaitiana Akroyd.

Karaitiana 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.

Having 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.

Karaitiana 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.

Karaitiana is based in Gisborne and carves a variety of media including pounamu, various stones and bone. He also creates large scale works.