Te Ngākau Kaha
The phrase “Te Ngākau Kaha” speaks of the strength/kaha that resides within the heart and spirit. It’s a fitting title for this pendant, inspired by the toki I recently carved from a remarkable piece of inanga pipiwharauroa pounamu.
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Inanga pounamu, with its gentle green hues, evokes tranquility. Yet, it holds a hidden beauty – the dazzling, iridescent quality known as pipiwharauroa. The play of light within the stone adds a magical depth that reminds us of the strength we often underestimate within ourselves.
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This large toki (adze), measuring 8cm, showcases both the serene inanga color and the vibrant green pipiwharauroa shimmers. In Māori tradition, the toki represents strength, skill, and determination. As I carved, I kept these qualities in the front of my mind, the shimmering stone becoming a metaphor for hidden reservoirs of strength.
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Te Ngākau Kaha embodies a quiet yet powerful kind of strength. The toki is more than just an object; it’s a reminder that true strength/kaha isn’t always about outward displays, but the unique and brilliant potential we all carry within.
Interested in your own custom pounamu carving with a story? Contact me to discuss your idea!