Re-curved Toki – 7cm
This is an example of a re-curved toki, that is similar in design to some modern chisels.
This particular one is made from Kawakawa pounamu, named for the colouring that resembles that of the kawakawa plant. It is 7cm long and 4cm wide at the base.
The Toki was a originally a tool used by Maori. The pounamu was painstakingly shaped into heavy and robust forms and could be either lashed to a handle or held in the hand. They were used for cutting down trees, carving out canoes/waka, or carving designs into meeting houses/marae.
A finer version with a more delicate Toki lashed to an elaborately carved handle were reserved for powerful cheifs/rangatira. These were used for ceremonial purposes, they are called ‘Toki Poutangata’.
The modern Hei Toki, often worn around the neck as a pendant, represents foremost strength, authority, and leadership. It is can also a symbol of power, courage, wisdom, determination, self-control, and focus.
