Whānau Toki – Kawakawa Pounamu
I recently completed this meaningful commission for a father whose whānau wanted to gift him a taonga that symbolises his role within their family. The piece is a 6cm Toki carved from rich green Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa Pounamu is prized for its deep, even green hues with subtle variations, and this piece beautifully reflects those qualities.
The design incorporates two distinct sets of notches to represent his close family connections. Near the top, two notches symbolise his parents, acknowledging the foundation they provided in his life. Near the base, four notches represent his children, grounding him and embodying his role as their guide and protector.
The Toki, a traditional tool and symbol of strength and resilience, carries layers of personal meaning for the recipient. Its design reflects not only his whakapapa but also his ongoing commitment to his whānau.
This commission was a privilege to create, as it captures the essence of family – the connections we honour and the people we hold closest.
To learn more about my work or to discuss creating your own unique Pounamu taonga, visit my website: https://www.campbellcarving.co.nz
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campbellcarvings
Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campbellcarving
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/campbellcarving
