Sharp Edged Recurved Toki

I am on a bit of a mission to develop my toki designs at the moment. I love the shape of the old tokis that were used for practical work by pre european Maori.  I try to incorporate as much of this design as I can in my Hei Toki pendants.

The important part of a functional toki is the cutting edge at the bottom. I am no expert in crafting or using functional tokis, I just like to try and replicate some of the aesthetics to give the impression that a Hei Toki could actually be used.  Having well defined edges and corners on the cutting edge is something I always try to include, there is a point (especially with fine grained stone) that is can be too sharp I am sure.carving, pounamu carver, greenstone, jade, nz, new zealand, pendant, jade, nephrite, maori, necklace, toki, adze

The key feature of this design for me is the inward curve obove the cutting face.  This draws attention to the main event of a toki, the cutting edge. It is important for a practical toki to have a shaped back side, if this were flat then the tool would not be very effective.  

This stone is a deep green and has a wonderful translucency to it which comes through near the cutting edge and you can see right into the stone.

Similar Posts

  • Ara Toa

    This stunning 8cm toki pendant, name Ara Toa (Path of Courage), embodies the captivating beauty of pounamu (greenstone) and the rich symbolism of both Maori and Celtic cultures. Carved from inanga pounamu, a captivating stone known for its light green hues and mesmerizing pipiwharauroa chatoyancy, this toki features a unique twist – a Celtic knot…

  • | |

    Ngā Taonga Tūhono

    In the embrace of the West Coast’s wild beauty, the Arahura River carves its way through the land, nurturing the Kawa Kawa Pounamu with its pure waters. It is here we find Ngā Taonga Tūhono, “Treasures that Connect”, a set of pendants that embodies the convergence of Māori and Gaelic kaupapa within its carved forms….

  • Mauri

    The Mauri is a unique pounamu toki pendant, carved from pale to mid green inanga pounamu. Its dimensions of 8cm in length and 12mm in thickness create a solid and substantial piece. Enhanced by pipiwharauroa shimmer, Mauri invites a tangible connection with the holder. The toki represents the Māori symbols of power, authority, and control….

  • Ōnewa Toki Whao

    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…

  • | |

    Kōhatu Whenua

    Jewelry often tells a story, not just of the one who wears it, but also of its origin and making. This story is even richer when the jewelry is named, giving it an identity that resonates with its essence. Such is the case with “Kōhatu Whenua”, which in Māori translates to “Land’s Stone”. From a…