Taura Whakapiri – Bond of Connection
Each of these toki were crafted from the same exquisitely rare piece of Marsden Flower jade – Putiputi. This pounamu variety boasts a magnificent display of yellows and golds that frequently resemble the delicate petals of flowers or wispy clouds in the sky. Its elusive nature makes it highly coveted among discerning collectors and connoisseurs of the art of pounamu carving. The rich, emerald-green hue of the kawakawa backdrop that surrounds the Putiputi only serves to heighten the profound depth and breathtaking beauty of these masterful pieces.
Brothers share an unbreakable bond, forged through the ties of kinship and shared experiences from the moment of their birth. The connection between pieces of pounamu that have been hewn from the same block of jade is a powerful and profound one. These three pieces have remained inextricably linked since their formation, it was only through recent circumstances that they were separated and fashioned into toki, to be gifted to each of the brothers. As tangible taonga, these toki serve to further solidify the profound connection that the brothers already share, a symbol of their unbreakable bond and enduring love for one another.
Take a look at the pieces of pounamu that I started with – they’re the exact ones that were used to carve the toki for the three brothers. It’s pretty cool to see what they looked like before they were turned into something so beautiful. These specific pieces were chosen carefully to make sure they were just right for each of the brothers. It’s kind of special to have these photos and memories of the process.
As a pounamu carver, there are few things that bring me as much pleasure and honor as the creation of sets of pounamu for siblings and whanau. This time-honored tradition holds a special place in my heart, as it serves as a beautiful and meaningful way to acknowledge and commemorate the deep connections that we share with those closest to us. Through this cherished practice, we can celebrate the bonds that tie us together and recognize the profound impact that our loved ones have on our lives. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the task of crafting these precious taonga that symbolize the unbreakable ties of whanau.
