Notches can be used to represent many things such as, people, whanau members, ideals, values, or experiences. For this toki the notches are for special whanau members for the wearer.
Seeing some of the process from the rough piece of pounamu through to the finished taonga is priceless, if it is not recorded as it is happening then it is lost.
Beautiful toki for a beautiful kaupapa.
This special toki was carved for young man living in Australia currently! A great gift considering what they are symbolise. The Toki was a originally a tool used by Maori. The pounamu was painstakingly shaped into heavy and robust forms and could be either lashed to a handle or held in the hand. They were…
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…
I’m pleased to share one of my creations, a large Pounamu Toki carved from Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from the sacred Arahura River. This piece stands out not only for its size—an impressive 85mm in length—but also for its unique features and deep symbolism. I’ve named this piece Whakairo Tūmanako, which means “Carving Hope.” I chose…
This beautiful pounamu toki was a recent commission piece I completed here at Campbell Carving. Measuring just 5cm in height, it’s a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The pounamu itself is a stunning piece of kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River on the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa pounamu is renowned for…
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…
A great example of a modern design of a traditional hand held toki. This design was based on this toki that was found in the Wairarapa. It was designed to be used held in the hand.
