Tōpuni Ties – A Connection Between Two Lands
I recently completed a special commission for a couple, carving a Toki and a four-piece linked bracelet from the same slice of stunning Marsden Flower Jade or Putiputi Pounamu. This set tells a beautiful story of connection, resilience, and shared journeys.
The Toki: Strength and Perseverance
The Toki features a mountain carved into its face—a tribute to Kebnekaise, the highest mountain in Sweden and a landmark near the couple’s homeland. Above the mountain, the intricate flower-like patterning of the Pounamu has been enhanced to resemble the Northern Lights, a breathtaking phenomenon often seen over the mountain in Sweden. These elements honour the couple’s roots and the challenges they’ve faced, making the Toki a symbol of strength and perseverance through life’s toughest times.
The Bracelet: Unity and Connection
The bracelet, crafted from the same slice of Marsden Flower Jade, features four linked pieces symbolising the ties that bind the couple to each other, their past, and their future. It mirrors the Toki’s themes of unity and strength, creating a tangible link to the whenua of Aotearoa and the land they now call home.
A Name with Meaning: Tōpuni Ties
I’ve named this set Tōpuni Ties. In te ao Māori, Tōpuni refers to a symbolic act of cloaking, representing protection, respect, and a connection to the land. This name reflects how these pieces embody the couple’s bond to their homeland, their shared life in Aotearoa, and their perseverance together. The mountain and the northern lights carved into the Toki bring their past and present together, while the bracelet underscores the unbroken ties between their roots, their journey, and their love.
This commission was a privilege to create—capturing such a deep story in Pounamu is always an honour.
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