This set is for a whanau. They have their maunga that they can see from their home and the skyline of it is carved into each of the toki for the set.
Some the maunga is on the front and some the back. They are all from the piece of pounamu that came from South Westland.
Here are some images of the process from the piece of pounamu through to the finished set.
This whanau will always have these pounamu to connect them with each other and where they are from.
The art of Pounamu carving is a tradition steeped in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), a practice that transforms raw greenstone into meaningful taonga (treasures). One such creation is the “Mana Taonga,” a toki (adze) that is more than a mere ornament; it is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. The Mana…
I recently completed a Toki that stands out for its unique material and appearance. This piece is carved from the rind of a Tangiwai boulder. Over time, the rind of this boulder has undergone oxidation, turning it into a striking white, a rare transformation in Pounamu. Scattered throughout the white surface are dark spots of…
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 set of koru pendants, named ‘Arohanui,’ captures a son’s love for his mother. Each koru, from the same piece of hapopo pounamu, signifies their life-long bond. The koru represents new beginnings, peace, and personal growth. This set, when joined, forms a mutual embrace, showing a shared journey of a mother and son. The pendants…
This toki has the sail symbol from the Tokelau flag. It is a taonga to connect the owner with where they are from as well as with where they are now.
The name “Whānau Kōtuitui” paints a vivid picture. Meaning “Family Binding”, it captures the soul of this collection. Pounamu is so intrinsically linked to our land, its people, and their ancestry that it moves beyond mere aesthetics to become a taonga (treasure) with profound meaning. This is the wairua of pounamu, more commonly known to…