When it comes to embodying symbolism and cultural significance, few artifacts are as telling as the toki carved from pakohe. Recently, I had the honor of creating a special pakohe toki for a dear friend, one that holds deep resonance. Named “Te Ara,” which translates to “the path,” this toki is more than just a…
Pounamu, also known as New Zealand greenstone, holds immense cultural significance for the Maori people. It’s a vessel of stories, emotions, and traditions that span generations. The “Whānau Kotahi” set, which translates to “Unified Family”, is a beautiful embodiment of this sentiment. This particular set of four pendants, carved for a family of four –…
From the heart of South Westland, a distinct kawakawa pounamu, known for its enduring quality and beauty, was chosen. This greenstone, echoing the very essence of “Whānau Pūmanawa” or “Heart of the Family”, was skillfully crafted into a harmonious set of five pendants and a complementary pair of earrings, encapsulating the deep-rooted connections and stories…
The Mauri is a unique pounamu toki pendant, carved from pale to mid green inanga pounamu. Its dimensions of 8cm in length and 12mm in thickness create a solid and substantial piece. Enhanced by pipiwharauroa shimmer, Mauri invites a tangible connection with the holder. The toki represents the Māori symbols of power, authority, and control….
In the realm of traditional carving, every piece has its own tale to tell, a story that interweaves art, symbolism, and deep-rooted culture. Today, I am excited to unveil two exquisite pieces from my collection, carefully hand-carved from a unique slice of pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone. Both hailing from the same stone, these two…
Certain moments call for gifts that encapsulate more than just beauty – they embody substance, history, and a profound significance. As we bid farewell to a respected senior leader from Rolleston College – Horoeka Haemata, a remarkable token of appreciation has been thoughtfully curated – a Pounamu Toki, named Mana Tohu, translating to “Sign of…
In the realm of pounamu carving, there’s a story that unfolds – a tale of transition and transformation, born from the heart of the earth and ultimately brought to life in the hands of the carver. This narrative begins with a unique stone known as the ‘flower jade’ or putiputi pounamu from the Marsden region,…
As a lover of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone), it is always an exhilarating experience to bring a new piece to life. This toki with its light green hue intertwined with unique orange flecks, is a visual representation of the rich and diverse landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. Made from Raukaraka Pounamu, a variety…
This 5cm toki whao features a hidden hole design for the neck cord, crafted from Pounamu sourced from the sacred Arahura River. The dimensions of the toki whao have been carefully considered, resulting in a balanced and visually striking piece. This toki whao is not only a visually stunning work of art but also holds…
This is a gorgeous 6cm example of some unique colours of the pounamu we find in Aotearoa. Raukaraka pounamu has greens mixed with oranges and yellows, to give it a very distinctive look. The Hei Toki is a traditional Maori symbol that represents strength, courage, and determination. The toki, or adze, was traditionally used by…