Aroha Whakairo: Two Toki Honouring Whānau and Legacy
These two taonga were carved from a single piece of Inanga Pounamu, brought to me by a whānau member to create something lasting and meaningful from stone that held deep personal significance. The Pounamu had been with their beloved husband and grandfather in his final days, kept close as a taonga that symbolised his strength and presence. It was an honour to be entrusted with this stone and to help shape its next chapter. The name Aroha Whakairo means “love carved into form” — a reflection of how these taonga carry the love of a family into the next generation, embedded in every line and curve.
The first piece is a 12cm Toki, carved flat without the traditional bevel at the base. Instead, five koru curl and wind their way up the face of the taonga, symbolising the journey this couple shared through life together. The koru also speak to the enduring ties between generations — the legacy of love, guidance, and strength that continues on through their whānau. This taonga is for his wife, a physical representation of their lifetime of aroha.
The second taonga is a 10cm Toki, made to be worn by their grandson. It is simpler in form but powerful in meaning. The Toki shape symbolises strength, courage, and determination, and it offers a tangible connection between grandfather and moko. Crafted from the same stone, it is a continuation of that whakapapa, a way for his grandson to carry his memory and feel his presence close.
Both taonga share a soft, pale green colouring typical of Inanga Pounamu, with beautiful orange and rust tones from the boulder’s rind peeking through at the base. These natural markings were carefully preserved as a tribute to the origin of the stone and the story it carries.
I documented the whole process — from slicing the raw stone, to drawing the designs, through to carving and finishing. Seeing these taonga emerge from the original block was something special. Each step held weight.
It meant a lot to me to carve these pieces. They are about honouring a man’s life, a couple’s aroha, and the deep threads that bind generations together.
