Large Hapopo Serpentine Roimata (Teardrop)

This Large Hapopo Serpentine Roimata is a taonga representing healing, strength, compassion, and connection. Hand-carved by Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, this piece honours the traditional roimata (teardrop) form, often associated with tears, remembrance, emotional strength, and the journey through life's challenges.

The roimata design carries a beautiful sense of simplicity and meaning. Its flowing teardrop shape represents the release of emotion, the importance of healing, and the strength found through difficult times. The larger form gives this taonga a strong presence while maintaining the graceful proportions and natural beauty of the traditional design.

Carved from genuine Hapopo Serpentine, this taonga showcases the natural character, rich colouring, and distinctive markings of the stone. Formed over time within the whenua, each piece of Hapopo stone carries its own individual patterns and variations, making every carving completely unique. Its natural depth and character connect the wearer to te taiao (the natural world) and the whenua from which the stone comes.

Every stage of the carving process is completed by Hemi with patience, care, and respect for the whakapapa of the stone. From shaping the original piece through to grinding, refining, polishing, and finishing, each step brings out the natural beauty of the material while creating a smooth and balanced roimata form.

The binding is carefully hand-completed by Hemi himself, bringing together the stone and cord to create a finished taonga ready to be worn. The combination of traditional form, natural Hapopo Serpentine, and detailed hand-finishing makes this a distinctive piece of Māori stone carving.

🔹 Material: Genuine Hapopo Serpentine
🔹 Design: Large Roimata (Teardrop)
🔹 Meaning: Healing, compassion, remembrance, emotional strength, and connection
🔹 Binding: Waxed polyester cord, hand-bound by the carver
🔹 Finish: Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural depth, colour, and character
🔹 Carver: Hemi Smiler Smith, Māori stone carver
🔹 Origin: Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand
🔹 One-of-a-kind: Natural variations in the stone make every taonga unique

Whether worn as a reminder of personal strength, gifted to someone special as a symbol of care and connection, or treasured as a meaningful piece of Māori craftsmanship, this Large Hapopo Serpentine Roimata carries its own story, character, and mauri.

Created with intention. Worn with meaning.

Exclusively available through Te Toki Toru Pounamu.