Kawakawa Toki Pounamu

This beautiful pounamu toki was a recent commission piece I completed here at Campbell Carving. Measuring just 5cm in height, it’s a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The pounamu itself is a stunning piece of kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River on the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa pounamu is renowned for its vibrant green hues and often features contrasting black inclusions, like the one pictured here. What makes this particular piece so special is its incredible translucency. When held up to the light, you can almost see right through it!

The toki design is a classic symbol of Maori culture, representing strength, determination, and resourcefulness. Traditionally, toki were adzes used for carving wood and working with other materials. Today, they are worn as taonga (treasured possessions) and continue to hold deep cultural significance.

For this toki, I opted for a simple and elegant design that allows the beauty of the pounamu to truly shine. The toki itself is smoothly polished, with clean lines and a subtle curve. The lashing is a sleek black cord that complements the green and black tones of the pounamu perfectly.

This toki is a truly special piece that I was honored to create. It’s a reminder of the beauty and artistry of pounamu carving, and the deep connection between Maori culture and the natural world.

If you’re interested in learning more about pounamu toki or commissioning your own piece, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to discuss the possibilities and create a taonga that will be treasured for generations to come.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this look at one of my recent creations.