The art of Pounamu carving is a tradition steeped in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), a practice that transforms raw greenstone into meaningful taonga (treasures). One such creation is the “Mana Taonga,” a toki (adze) that is more than a mere ornament; it is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. The Mana…
Creating a meaningful connection with the essence of Aotearoa through art and taonga is a journey well represented by this exquisite set of Pounamu toki and earrings. Each piece holds a story, a spirit, and a cultural significance that transcends its physical beauty. The toki, measuring about 5cm, is a traditional Maori carving shape that…
The toki, or adze, is a traditional Maori tool that once played a vital role in the daily life of Maori communities. Carved from the revered greenstone, the toki now serves as a pendant, offering not only a visual connection to the past but also a symbolic representation of power, wisdom, and authority. The 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…
In the hands of a carver, Pounamu is transformed into more than just an adornment; it becomes a narrative etched in stone, a tangible representation of family bonds and shared stories. This narrative is told through the ‘Whānau Tūhono’ set, a collection of Pounamu pendants specially carved for a family, embodying their unity and individual…
This pair of Pounamu pendants, named Te Hononga Pūmau, is a tribute to family and shared paths. They’re each 7cm, a toki for strength, a roimata for comfort, carved from the same stone. This isn’t just about wearing art. It’s about carrying a piece of a collective soul, bound by three curved lines that tell…
Whānau Mauri, a toki of profound connection and essence, carved from the rare totoweka kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River. This 5cm pendant is more than a piece of jewellery; it’s a tangible manifestation of the life force and unity that binds a family together. In the Māori language, “whānau” signifies family—a collective of…
There is a profound narrative captured within the contours of a Pounamu toki, one that speaks to the heart of Aotearoa’s cultural heritage and the land’s natural beauty. Today, we introduce ‘Waiora Whānau,’ a name that embodies the vitality and community represented by a specially crafted 6 cm toki made from kawa kawa pounamu. This…
The name “Whānau Kōtuitui” paints a vivid picture. Meaning “Family Binding”, it captures the soul of this collection. Pounamu is so intrinsically linked to our land, its people, and their ancestry that it moves beyond mere aesthetics to become a taonga (treasure) with profound meaning. This is the wairua of pounamu, more commonly known to…
When one beholds a handcrafted piece of pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone, its depth, history, and cultural significance are immediately evident. Named “Whakapapa Arohanui,” this particular set embodies more than just the majestic aura of Raukaraka pounamu and its vivid hues of orange, yellow, and pale green. “Whakapapa Arohanui” translates to…