Ngā Toki o te Māia

I’ve named this set “Ngā Toki o te Māia” — meaning The Toki of courage. The name reflects the kaupapa behind these taonga: a desire to strengthen the bond between two brothers and to gift something that represents inner courage, resilience, and shared whakapapa. Both taonga were carved from the same stone, carrying the same mauri, so that no matter where they are, they remain connected.

These are a pair of Hei Toki, both carved from a striking piece of deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, gifted to me by the whānau after being carefully selected by them. The larger toki, carved for her partner, is 10cm long, 5.5cm wide, and nearly 15mm thick. It has a beautiful chatoyant band that runs diagonally through the centre — a shimmering line of light that shifts as the taonga moves, full of life and presence. It’s a piece that holds weight, both physically and symbolically.

The second toki, for his brother, is 75mm long. It was shaped with everyday wear in mind, but with no less intention or meaning. By using the same stone for both pieces, I was able to carry the wairua of the larger piece into this one, creating a tangible link between them.

Each toki carries the Mangōpare design — the hammerhead shark motif that symbolises strength, determination, and resilience. Alongside this, I carved Unaunahi, the fish-scale pattern. This represents abundance, protection, and movement through life with adaptability and awareness. These symbols were drawn directly from a design already meaningful to them, extending its reach into these taonga.

Both are finished with black waxed cord and a full round braid — simple and strong, letting the carving speak for itself. It was an honour to shape this set and to help bring this expression of courage and connection into being.