Ōnewa Toki – Strength

This Toki is carved from Ōnewa, a dense and weighty basalt sourced from Akaroa on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula). At 55mm long, it carries the natural strength of the stone, formed through volcanic activity that shaped the land millions of years ago. Ōnewa is a stone of endurance, shaped by fire and time, making it a fitting material for a Toki—a symbol of resilience, determination, and the ability to carve one’s own path.

The Toki is one of the most recognised taonga of Aotearoa, originally worn and used by tūpuna as a practical tool, then later as a symbol of status and leadership. It represents strength, skill, and perseverance—the qualities needed to shape not only stone but also one’s own future. When carved from Ōnewa, a stone born from the land itself, this Toki holds a deep connection to Aotearoa. It is a reminder of the whenua, the powerful forces that created it, and the enduring strength of those who wear it.

The earthy tones of the stone pair beautifully with the tan lashing, secured with a 4-braid cord. This piece holds the weight of history and the grounding presence of the whenua, a reminder of the strength found in nature and within ourselves.