Sands Carving Studio

17/05/2026

Koru Kahurangi - Greenstone Spiral Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/7flj3t2u5alq ⎆

Koru, the quintessential Māori pattern, represents growth, transformation, potential, and peace. Taken from the fern frond found throughout the forests of Aotearoa, koru represent the growth and transformation, the potential and peace found in the whenua (land). They are gifts of love and friendship.

This koru was carved by Lee Roy Mullings from kahurangi pounamu sourced from Marsden of Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 58mm in diameter, has a glossy finish, and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/7flj3t2u5alq ◀︎

15/05/2026

Kōuma Kawakawa - Greenstone Breastplate Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/uwxapt4hmcn0 ⎆

Kōuma are breastplates or shield adornments that represent strength and leadership, whilst evoking the physical. Evolving from personal body armour, they are a taonga of personal protection that share their beauty to te ao tūroa (the outer world). It is embellished with whakapapa notches, representing genealogy and connection to ones ancestors.

This kōuma was carved by Jeremy Walsh from kawakawa pounamu sourced from Arahura of Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 90mm by 65mm, has a glossy finish, engraved with niho taniwha and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/uwxapt4hmcn0 ◀︎

10/05/2026

Hei Matau-a-Māui - Hook of Maui Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/4ffkf4uqq_ye ⎆

The treasures and vital sustenance of Tangaroa, kaitiaki (protector) of the ocean, required our tūpuna (ancestors) to be expert mariners. The lines and curves of the matau (fishhook) not only represent abundance and prosperity but also safe passage across life's journeys, echoing the voyages undertaken by those who first explored and settled the vast Pacific.

This hei matau was created by Jeremy Walsh from onewa (basalt) sourced from Mount Karioi, a kekeno (seal) jaw bone, and a kawakawa pounamu tooth. It measures 145mm by 75mm, has a semi-gloss finish, and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/4ffkf4uqq_ye ◀︎

08/05/2026

Privileged to have Dani from the herald back for this follow up story of our galleries growth.

More than 40 people, including Uncle Tics and Matua Bill, have carved here.

08/05/2026

Hei Matau Raukaraka - Greenstone Fishhook Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/kifqilqni6p8 ⎆

The treasures and vital sustenance of Tangaroa, kaitiaki (protector) of the ocean, required our tūpuna (ancestors) to be expert mariners. The lines and curves of the matau (fishhook) not only represent abundance and prosperity but also safe passage across life's journeys, echoing the voyages undertaken by those who first explored and settled the vast Pacific.

This hei matau was carved by Yuki Tanaka from raukaraka pounamu sourced from Marsden of Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 52mm by 50mm, has a glossy finish, and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided polyester cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/kifqilqni6p8 ◀︎

03/05/2026

Rei P**a Inanga - Greenstone Tooth Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/pmn9vzez7wzd ⎆

Often considered descendants of Tangaroa, whales whakapapa to Māori and are highly regarded tūpuna (ancestors) symbolising abundance and strength. Rei p**a symbolise this connection, with the carver taking the form of the rei p**a parāoa (s***m whale tooth) and infusing it with their own inspiration.

This rei p**a was carved by Alex Sands from flower inanga pounamu sourced from the Arahura River of Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 97mm by 45mm and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/pmn9vzez7wzd ◀︎

01/05/2026

Nguru - Nose Flute
⎆ https://shortlink.store/zllu9xz99kod ⎆

Nguru are flutes carved in the natural shape of the whale tooth. They are commonly played by mouth or using the nostrils to produce haunting and melodious tones. They were traditionally played in times of sorrow and remembrance at tangihanga (funerals) or in solitude.

This nguru was hand-carved by Alex Sands from native timber. It measures 105 x 40mm.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/zllu9xz99kod ◀︎

26/04/2026

Roimata Raukaraka - Pounamu Tear Drop Penadnt
⎆ https://shortlink.store/mpywzdidxuzj ⎆

Roimata in the form of teardrops, are a tohu (sign) of our emotions in times of joy, sadness, celebration and tribulation. They remind us of our humanity, our history, and our tīpuna (ancestors) who support us going forward.

These roimata can be worn either side and were carved from raukaraka pounamu by Raymond Stokes.

Measurements:

Light green - 38 x 18 x 4mm

Dark green - 37 x 21 x 6mm

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/mpywzdidxuzj ◀︎

24/04/2026

Kawakawa Kōmore - Bangle
⎆ https://shortlink.store/x84kjpwvq9l7 ⎆

Introducing our authentic Pounamu Kōmore, measuring 73mm in internal diameter and 15mm in width. It is hand-carved by Sam Potter and presented in a native kauri wood jewelry box. Kōmore, or bangles, hold deep cultural significance, symbolizing abundance, rank, and prestige across various ancient cultures worldwide.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/x84kjpwvq9l7 ◀︎

19/04/2026

Kapeu Raukaraka - Greenstone Kapeu Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/sminwh-ybtmd ⎆

Originally worn as a pair of earrings denoting status within the iwi (tribe), the simple and elegant kapeu form has since become sought after as pendants, with the subtle curve of its rounded lower tip enhancing its mauri (essence). Traditionally a feminine form, kapeu were used by mothers to help alleviate infants’ teething pains by using the tip to massage aching gums.

This kapeu was carved by Daryl Munroe from raukaraka pounamu / flower jade sourced from Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 90mm by 17mm, has a glossy finish, and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided polyester cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/sminwh-ybtmd ◀︎

17/04/2026

Hei Matau Kōkopu - Greenstone Fishhook Pendant
⎆ https://shortlink.store/hansdtvs25eh ⎆

The treasures and vital sustenance of Tangaroa, kaitiaki (protector) of the ocean, required our tūpuna (ancestors) to be expert mariners. The lines and curves of the matau (fishhook) not only represent abundance and prosperity but also safe passage across life's journeys, echoing the voyages undertaken by those who first explored and settled Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa - the vast Pacific.

This hei matau was carved by Aaron Marshall from kōkopu pounamu sourced from Big Bay of Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. It measures 75mm by 57mm, has a semi-gloss finish, and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord.

► Shop here ➣ https://shortlink.store/hansdtvs25eh ◀︎