This is a piece I designed based on a pre European toki that was used for carving. I love the old shapes and simple elegance they have.
It is now with a good friend of mine in Germany. An important piece of New Zealand he can carry with him now.
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 is an ataahua pounamu with a kaupapa to match. The number seven/whetu is significant to the wearer for many reasons. There are seven notches in the edge, 3 on one side and 4 on the other. This was commissioned just after the 7 week of level 4 lock down during the covid 19 measures…
Such a cool thing to have to connect a father with this two sons. Pounamu from the same source shaped into a pendant each. Two Hei Matau for the sons and a large Toki for the father. This pounamu is from South Westland. Being able to see some of the process from what this pounamu…
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…
This is a spectacular pounamu and a spectacular set of carvings for this whanau. It is made from inganga pounamu from the Arahura river. It has chatoyant or pipiwhirauroa characteristics which can make it shimmer in the light. It is named for the long tail feathers of the pipiwhirauroa. First steps were choosing the slices…
This toki is for a much loved man in a family. It was designed with mana and power in mind. The Lions head is to symbolise fearlessness, and urge to protect, loyalty, and leadership. It also connects this man with his home country, Sri Lanka, and so connects where he is from and where he…