Sapele Mahogany Roimata Pendant with White Abalone Shell Inlay – Handcrafted Teardrop Talisman of Balance and Renewal
Carved from rich Sapele mahogany and inlaid with luminous white abalone shell, this handcrafted roimata pendant carries both warmth and light — a meeting of land and sea, structure and flow. The central line of abalone shimmers softly within the grain, held in place by clear UV resin to protect and highlight its natural beauty.
The roimata (Māori for “tear”) is a traditional form symbolising release, healing, and emotional clarity — the gentle strength that comes through acceptance and renewal. This piece embodies that harmony: the grounded stability of wood meeting the fluid iridescence of the ocean.
Each pendant is shaped, sanded, and finished by hand to a smooth, tactile polish — designed as both a spiritual talisman and a striking modern accessory.
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Sustainability & Process
The wood used here is sustainably sourced Sapele mahogany — a fine-grained hardwood known for its deep reddish tone and chatoyant sheen. Every offcut is used carefully in the studio to minimise waste, with even the smallest remnants repurposed into inlays or ritual materials.
The abalone shell used is reclaimed and naturally sourced, polished and set by hand with UV resin for lasting clarity. No synthetic dyes or stains — just honest materials, respectfully combined.
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Symbolism & Spirit
The roimata represents tears — not of sorrow, but of release and transformation. In Māori tradition, it is a token of empathy and connection, a reminder that emotion is not weakness but renewal.
Mahogany, associated with endurance and grounding, balances the high vibration of abalone, which symbolises intuition, harmony, and oceanic wisdom. Together they create a powerful amulet of balance — the calm between tide and root, intuition and action.
This pendant can be worn as a daily talisman, ritual object, or simply as a meaningful piece of handcrafted art.
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Geology & Material Science
• Sapele Mahogany (Entandrophragma cylindricum): A tropical hardwood from the African continent, density ~640 kg/m³, with natural chatoyance — a silky sheen caused by interlocking grain structure. • White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni): Composed of aragonite (CaCO₃) crystals in nacre layers that produce iridescence through light interference. Hardness ~3.5 on Mohs scale.
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Details & Features
• Handcrafted roimata (teardrop) pendant • Sapele mahogany with white abalone inlay • Inlay sealed with clear UV resin for strength and lustre • Smooth, natural waxed finish • Symbolic of release, balance, and emotional renewal • Hung on adjustable waxed cord (custom cords available) • Suitable as a spiritual talisman, gift, or artisan fashion piece
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Care
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid prolonged moisture or heat to preserve the natural wax and resin finish.
