8cm Toki

In the realm of Pounamu, each piece is not just a work of art but a narrative sculpted into stone, carrying the whispers of Aotearoa’s majestic landscape and the cultural legacy of its people. Today, we delve into the story behind a Toki pendant, a masterpiece crafted from the revered Pounamu.

The carving process is a meditative practice, where the artist connects with the stone, allowing the Toki’s form to emerge naturally. The pendant showcases a raw beauty, with its elongated shape and the intricate binding at the top, which is not only aesthetic but also a practical way to secure the Toki to its cord.

Pounamu is more than just a stone; it is a taonga, a treasured possession that embodies the spirits of those who wear and craft it. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good health to its owner. Moreover, it’s a touchstone to the land and ancestry, a piece of New Zealand’s soul worn close to the heart.

The shape of this Toki is purposeful, with its broad base supporting a tapering top. This design is reflective of resilience and authority, symbolizing the ability to lead and make decisions. It is often worn by those seeking to harness their inner strength or by leaders in their community.

The Toki Pounamu pendant is more than an accessory; it is a companion for life. Wearing it is an ode to the ancestors, a nod to the skilled hands of the carver, and an embrace of the land’s enduring spirit. This Toki, with its gentle green gradients and crafted with care by Campbell, is not just an ornament but a bearer of stories, a keeper of secrets, and a source of inspiration for anyone who wears it.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Te Whenua E Tūhono Ana

    Te Whenua e Tūhono Ana translates as “the land that connects us”. It speaks to connection through place, whakapapa, and whānau, and to the way land can bind people together through care, work, and shared responsibility. This name reflects both the kaupapa of this set and the origin of the kōhatu itself. This set of…

  • Totoweka Wide Toki 5cm

    The colours in this toki really stand out as a vivid example of the totoweka colouring. Totoweka is named after the blood of the weka, as the colours resemble it in the pounamu. It is pretty hard to find. The contrast well with the deep green of the kawakawa pounamu they are found in. The…

  • Toki Taumutu

    Taumutu, a small coastal settlement near Waihora, Lake Ellesmere, in New Zealand’s South Island, holds a rugged beauty shaped by the relentless sea. It was on this windswept beach that I discovered a beach pebble, a humble piece of ōnewa (greywacke) that whispered of hidden potential. With careful shaping and a respect for the stone’s…

  • Toki Kaha

    The ‘Toki Kaha’, which translates to ‘Adze of Strength’ in Māori, is not just a name; it is a statement of resilience and power. This hapopo pounamu toki pendant is a testament to the enduring strength that the toki symbolizes in Māori culture and the robust beauty of the greenstone from which it is carved….

  • |

    Hononga – Connections

    I recently carved a special Toki from a stunning piece of Hapopo Pounamu, gifted to a good friend who embodies the essence of making connections with others. The stone is a bright green with darker swirls, showcasing the natural beauty of Hapopo Pounamu. This Toki is 6cm in length and features two koru carved into…