Toki Pikorua Whanau Set

I is a special commission where I had the honour of working with a block of Pounamu passed down through a family for generations. The client felt it was time to transform this cherished stone into something their whānau could wear and treasure. From this pale green Inanga Pounamu, with its stunning black mineral inclusions, I carved a 9cm Toki for the client and a 65mm single twist Pikorua for his sister.

When a set of taonga is carved from the same stone, it creates a powerful connection between the pieces and the people who wear them. Each taonga carries a part of the whole, symbolising the unity and enduring bonds of the family. This set, drawn from the same piece of Pounamu, will forever tie the siblings together, honouring their shared history and the legacy of their family. It’s an incredible way to keep their whānau connected, even as life takes them in different directions.

The Toki is a symbol of strength, determination, and leadership. Traditionally, it was used as a tool, but in modern times, it carries the mana of a person who leads with purpose and stands tall for their whānau. The size of this Toki makes it a bold and powerful piece, perfect for represent the intentions of my customer client.

The single twist Pikorua symbolises the path of two lives intertwining. For the customers sister, this piece represents the bond between siblings that will never be broken, even as life changes and evolves. The Pikorua is a fitting reminder of the unending connection they share, made even more special by being part of the same stone as her brother’s Toki.

The beauty of this commission lies not only in the intricate patterns of the Pounamu, but in the story it tells. It’s an honour to help families create taonga that will carry their stories forward, with each piece representing their connection to one another and to their history.