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…
This 7 cm pendant is a personal favourite, as it truly captivates my senses. Its harmonious blend of colors, the depth created by the carving techniques, and the striking contrast between the smooth curves and sharp edges all contribute to its unique beauty. This whao, with its traditional design, is based on the tools that…
Each of these toki were crafted from the same exquisitely rare piece of Marsden Flower jade – Putiputi. This pounamu variety boasts a magnificent display of yellows and golds that frequently resemble the delicate petals of flowers or wispy clouds in the sky. Its elusive nature makes it highly coveted among discerning collectors and connoisseurs…
This exquisite pounamu set features three small toki pendants, each carved from the same bright green piece of pounamu. The set has been specially created to represent the connection between three members of a whanau, symbolizing the spiritual bond that ties them together. For the whanau who received this pounamu set, it holds immense significance…
This was a pendant that was made to bring two cultures together. Just as we are often born from two or more cultures, this toki represents this blending on ways of life. The toki is a symbol of leadership, authority, and mana from the maori world. The turtle is a symbol of f wisdom, endurance,…