Pekapeka
Happy Camp Jade (Idocrase)
3" wide, 1.5" tall, 0.5" thick
 
My jade journey started while I was living on the south island of New Zealand, Te Waipounamu, and I was blessed to explore the beautiful mountains and rivers of that land. At the time, I didn't know anything about jade (pounamu), other than the fact that I loved the rich green color and organic shapes found in the many local shops.
 
It would seem by chance that 10 years later, I moved to Northern California and began to discover jade in our local waters, easing me into a journey that would lead me places I could never have imagined.This pendant symbolizes that journey, a harmony of tradition Māori design as expressed in this pekapeka, carved from gem idocrase (Happy Camp Jade) from my local area. And while my recent ancestors didn't have a tradition of carving or ancestral forms to pass on, I feel blessed to have been guided by Tīpuna of a different sort, friends and mentors who have helped me and inspired me on my journey.
 
As this stone is from Happy Camp, I'd like to mention the late Rich Kelly, whose friendship and love of Indian Creek has provided a sense of history to the area, and lovely stone to carve and learn with. I'd also like to thank Jacob Pounds (@jac.lbs), who took me on my first jade trip, and has shared as I was ready and left me to discover on my own (and in good company) as I was ready to learn. On the Aotearoa side, I'd like to say a big thank you to Tim Steel (@timsteelstone), as his carvings inspire me to keep at it, and this design certainly draws from some of his carving style, while attempting to still have originality. I hope I struck a good balance.
 
When you buy a carving from jade, it is not a mass produced object, but a slowly created one made from a stone millions of years old. You honor and empower a creative process that supports craftsmanship, artistry and the passing of knowledge across generations, and are honored with a carving that will last for generations to come.