Whānau Mauri

Whānau Mauri, a toki of profound connection and essence, carved from the rare totoweka kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River. This 5cm pendant is more than a piece of jewellery; it’s a tangible manifestation of the life force and unity that binds a family together. In the Māori language, “whānau” signifies family—a collective of hearts and souls intertwined by blood and spirit, while “mauri” represents the vital essence that animates and connects all living things. The “Whānau Mauri” toki is a powerful emblem, symbolizing the enduring strength and vitality that flows within a family, destined to be a companion for one on their journey, ensuring they carry the spirit and unity of their kin wherever they may roam.

For the family member who will wear this toki, the intricately carved koru speak of deep familial bonds and shared growth. The double koru face outward, embracing the world, while the triple koru on the back anchor the individual in the love and support of their family. This piece is a beacon of heritage and identity, a means to stay grounded and connected to their roots as they navigate life’s journey.

Traditionally, the toki (adze) was a tool used by the Māori for carving wood, but as a pendant, it symbolizes courage, strength, and determination. This toki, with its crafted double koru on the front and triple koru on the back, goes beyond mere aesthetics. The koru, a spiral shape based on the unfurling silver fern frond, signifies growth, new beginnings, and perpetual movement. A double koru can represent a partnership or bonding, while a triple koru often expands this to include the wider family or community.

Pounamu, often referred to as greenstone, is more than a beautiful stone; it is a cornerstone of cultural heritage for the Māori people. Revered for its strength, durability, and beauty, pounamu plays a pivotal role in Māori culture as taonga (treasure). Sourced from the Arahura River, the heartland of pounamu, this stone carries with it the mana of the land and its ancestors. The kawakawa variety, characterized by its rich green hue with small dark inclusions, represents peace and tranquility, and the reddish totoweka coloring, known for the blood of the weka bird-like streaks, is considered especially rare and significant.

Wearing it is a daily reminder of where one comes from and the collective strength carried forward. This toki isn’t just a beautiful piece of jewelry; it is a companion for life’s odyssey, a tangible expression of family ties, and a reminder of the sacred connection we all share with the land and those who walked it before us.