{"product_id":"serpentine-mahina-chest-plate-carved-by-hemi","title":"serpentine Māhina Chest plate -carved by Hemi","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eserpentine Māhina Chest plate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSerpentine Māhina Chest Plate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a taonga that represents balance, renewal, and a deep connection to te taiao. Hand-carved by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e16-year-old Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it draws inspiration from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTe Marama\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (the Moon), whose ever-changing phases remind us of life's cycles, growth, and transformation. Worn close to the heart, this chest plate serves as a symbol of inner strength, guidance, and identity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved from genuine \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew Zealand Serpentine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this taonga showcases rich green tones with natural variations and distinctive markings that make every piece completely unique. Formed over millions of years, the stone carries its own whakapapa, connecting the wearer to Papatūānuku and the ancient landscapes of Aotearoa. The flowing curves of the Māhina design celebrate the beauty of the moon while reflecting harmony, resilience, and the natural rhythm of life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe binding, completed by Hemi himself, is woven with care and intention, creating a lasting connection between the stone, the carver, and the wearer. Every stage of the carving process—from selecting the stone to the final polish—is undertaken with respect for the whakapapa of the stone, ensuring each taonga carries meaning that can be treasured for generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Genuine New Zealand Serpentine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesign:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Māhina (Moon) Chest Plate – symbolising balance, renewal, guidance, and inner strength\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Waxed cord, hand-bound by the carver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural depth, colour, and character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarver:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔹 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether worn as a reminder of your own journey, gifted to mark a meaningful occasion, or treasured as a connection to whakapapa and the rhythms of Te Marama, this chest plate carries both story and mauri (life force).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExclusively available through Toki Toru Pounamu.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whakapakari Ora Wahine Wellness","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48661084799115,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9685\/3643\/files\/753445211_1590715462651016_4140264028380033195_n_25b8ee46-7c25-4c5c-8904-f647e136e110.jpg?v=1785222690","url":"https:\/\/whakapakariora.com\/products\/serpentine-mahina-chest-plate-carved-by-hemi","provider":"Whakapakari Ora Wahine Wellness","version":"1.0","type":"link"}