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.
The toki, a traditional Māori adze, holds a significant place in Aotearoa’s history. More than just a tool, the toki was essential to Māori life pre-colonization, used for shaping wood for everything from waka (canoes) to whare (houses). It symbolized strength, authority, and connection to ancestors and the land. I am honored to present “Toki…
This is a Toki Whao carved from basalt, or Ōnewa, sourced from Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, South Island of New Zealand. This piece is 5cm long and showcases the dark grey hues of the basalt stone, which contrast beautifully with the tan lashing cord. The Toki Whao represents a traditional Māori chisel, a tool used…
This is a beautiful example of a simple Toki made from some New Zealand Pounamu with real character in its colouring. The ‘cutting’ edge of this is very similar to traditionally shaped toki that were functional pre european times in Aotearoa. I really like the simplicity of this piece as well as all the curves….
This combination piece was inspired by a carving already in existence. The idea was to create a pendant with both symbols integrated into the design. The pounamu is kawakawa totoweka from the Arahura River. Totoweka is a rare colouring found in kawakawa, it is muddy red brown that shows up really well under a light….
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…
