Kawakawa Totoweka Toki

The Arahura River, carving its path through the heart of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), is a place of immense natural beauty and cultural significance. For generations, Maori carvers have sought pounamu (greenstone) from its waters, recognizing its strength and beauty as a material fit for taonga (treasure). This 5cm toki pendant, hand-carved from kawakawa pounamu with stunning totoweka inclusions, is a tribute to this legacy and the enduring symbolism of the toki itself.

Kawakawa pounamu, named for its resemblance to the kawakawa leaf, is a type of greenstone prized for its deep green hues. The toki I carved features a particularly captivating example, with swirls of lighter green and reddy brown inclusions, known as totoweka. These inclusions, caused by the presence of other minerals, add a touch of visual intrigue to the pendant, making it a truly unique piece.

The toki is more than just a beautiful pendant; it’s a powerful symbol steeped in Maori tradition. Originally an adze used for carving, woodworking, and even combat, the toki represents strength, determination, and resourcefulness. Its shape, with its unmistakable curved blade and central hole, evokes these qualities, making it a fitting taonga for those seeking to cultivate these traits within themselves.

The Arahura River has played a central role in the story of pounamu for centuries. Its swirling waters carry precious greenstone boulders, deposited by glacial movement over millennia. The toki I carved whispers of this journey, from the raw stone carried by glaciers to the finished taonga, a testament to the enduring power of nature.