Toki, traditional Maori adzes, are renowned for their strength and the skilled hands required to craft them. But sometimes, the greatest transformations occur when we surrender to nature’s artistry, as is the case with my newest piece, “Dawnlight”. This toki began its life as a humble agate, a gemstone formed within the fiery heart of…
This pounamu toki, which I’ve named Kia Maia (“be brave”), is so much more than a beautiful piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol of everything about the recipient – strength, resilience, and a heart filled with warmth. The toki itself, a traditional Maori treasure, represents the courage and determination that I know guides our spirits….
Marsden flower jade, also known as putiputi pounamu, is a treasure. Its swirling greens and vibrant flashes of orange evoke the beauty and vitality of the New Zealand bush. It’s a rare and precious type of pounamu, making it even more special to work with. This toki, measuring 7cm long, showcases the full spectrum of…
The name “Manawa”, meaning “heart” or “courage” in Māori, feels deeply fitting for this toki pendant. The rich, deep green of the pounamu, with its striking dark patterning, speaks of raw power and quiet strength. And the toki itself holds a special place in Māori culture. The toki (adze) was a vital survival tool for…
The phrase “Te Ngākau Kaha” speaks of the strength/kaha that resides within the heart and spirit. It’s a fitting title for this pendant, inspired by the toki I recently carved from a remarkable piece of inanga pipiwharauroa pounamu. Inanga pounamu, with its gentle green hues, evokes tranquility. Yet, it holds a hidden beauty – the…
Kia ora, friends. Sometimes you need to create something just because your hands itch to do so, you know? That’s how I felt the other day. I found myself with a beautiful piece of kawakawa pounamu, and all of a sudden, I could see its true shape waiting to come out. This toki (adze) design…
Have you ever held a piece of pounamu and felt a connection to the land and history of Aotearoa (New Zealand)? These taonga (treasured possessions) hold stories waiting to be told, and today I’m excited to share two special pieces I carved: a toki and a roimata, both crafted from the same beautiful raukaraka pounamu,…
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….
Kia ora koutou! Today, I’m thrilled to share the heartfelt journey my daughter and I undertook in crafting a toki pendant from the revered Inanga Pounamu of the Arahura River. Our endeavor was more than a mere carving; it was a profound expression of love and empowerment. “Te Mana Toki” translates to “The Power” in…
Deep within the embrace of Aotearoa, where the Douglas Creek flows with the wisdom of the ages, there emerges a Pounamu set that is the very essence of New Zealand’s spirit. Named Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, meaning ‘Legacy Treasures,’ this set comprises a toki and a roimata pendant, each carved from the same slice of…