Pounamu from the same source is an awesome way to show a strong bond and connection between people.
I was very proud to be asked to make this set for a father and son. The son is still under 5 so a small toki was needed for him, and his father is over 7 foot so big for him!
A toki design represents authority, power, and strength.
This toki is made to resemble a modern day wood chisel. An ideal pendant for someone that works with their hands, as well representing leadership, courage, and strength.
This is a set that has significant meaning as part of it well before I became part of the picture. I really love how the end result shows off the rough exterior of the pounamu that has been softened and polished from being a touch stone. This piece of pounamu first came to this family…
This is a gorgeous 6cm example of some unique colours of the pounamu we find in Aotearoa. Raukaraka pounamu has greens mixed with oranges and yellows, to give it a very distinctive look. The Hei Toki is a traditional Maori symbol that represents strength, courage, and determination. The toki, or adze, was traditionally used by…
I recently completed a special commission using Kawakawa Pounamu from the Arahura River. This set, which I have named Ngā Hononga, meaning “The Connections,” includes a Hei Matau and a Roimata, both carved from the same deep green, very translucent piece of Pounamu. The name Ngā Hononga was chosen to emphasize the profound bond between…
This set is designed for the pure purpose of connection. Connection with immediate whanau and with those that went before. The two middle pieces are for the parents in this whanau. The two notches on the sides of their toki are for their two boys. The three lines are to show the link with their…