Raukaraka (Marsden Flower Jade) Roimata – Carved by Phil Priest

This teardrop pendant is carved from Raukaraka (Marsden Flower Jade), a highly sought-after pounamu found near Greymouth, prized for its distinctive golden-yellow patterns formed over thousands of years as river minerals seep into the stone. In Māori, Roimata means “tears,” and when shaped in pounamu, it symbolizes healing and resilience.

Dimensions: 120mm (h) x 35mm (w)

Artist Statement

Phil Priest is a stone carver whose practice is shaped by his studies in Indigenous Pacific Arts at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa under Hiria Anderson. Specialising in ethically sourced New Zealand Pounamu, he has refined his craft over the years, creating unique and meticulously carved pieces that honour traditional techniques and contemporary design.