Hei Toki – Totoweka

I recently carved this 75mm hei toki from a deep, rich green piece of pounamu. When you turn it in the light, fiery burnt orange and red tones shine through the stone, much like the colours found in tōtōweka within a kawakawa base. The contrast gives the toki a real sense of energy and life. It’s the kind of stone that rewards anyone who spends a moment holding it and studying the shifts in colour.

The toki is a traditional shape that symbolises strength, determination, and the willingness to work hard. Historically, toki were tools used for cutting and shaping, so they carry the idea of capability and commitment. Today, the shape still carries that meaning, representing the inner resolve someone draws on as they move through their life.

This piece has a clean, strong form that matches the story of the toki. Its lines stay true to the traditional style while highlighting the natural character of the stone. Working with pounamu like this feels like a privilege. The colour, depth, and movement in the stone remind me why I enjoy this mahi.