Te Here o te Whenua

Description

Te Here o te Whenua can be translated as “the bonds of the land.” The name reflects the connections that tie people to place, to one another, and to the stories carried through generations. These two taonga began as a single piece of stone, formed together over immense spans of time before eventually being separated into a Toki and a Kōuma. Although they now follow different paths, they remain connected through their shared origin.

Carved from Pounamu sourced from the Whakatū region, the stone displays unusual blue tones that flow through the body of both pieces. Swirling patterns within the Pounamu evoke ocean currents, shifting cloud formations, and the ever-changing landscapes of Aotearoa. Around the edges, the original rind of the stone remains visible as earthy green and reddish-green tones, creating a striking contrast and preserving part of the stone’s natural history.

The set includes a 70mm Toki and an 80mm Kōuma. The Toki is associated with strength, determination, and the ability to shape one’s own path. The Kōuma, worn over the chest, symbolises protection, resilience, and inner strength. Resting close to the heart, it serves as a reminder of the values and people we choose to carry with us. Together, the two forms complement one another, bringing together strength and protection within a pair of taonga that remain forever linked by the stone from which they were carved.

The Kōuma is finished with a black seven-hole ring bolt lashing, while the Toki carries a traditional black Toki lashing. The matching colours and patterning across both pieces tell the story of their shared beginning and continuing connection.

Size: Kōuma80 mm, TOki 70mm

Material: Pounamu/Nephrite Jade

Location: Whakatu

Carver: Campbell Potter