Size: 43mm x 25mm We have 7 variations of this piece to choose from:
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Hand-carved NZ Pounamu
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Why Choose Pounamu
If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
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We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
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On all domestic orders.
The Toki is a symbol of strength and determination
Once a tool wielded by Māori, when worn around the neck the Toki represents courage, and with courage comes strength and power.The Toki holds great significance in Māori culture as a powerful symbol of mana (prestige) and honour.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Ernesto Ovalle
The artist behind this creationHailing all the way from Columbia, Ernesto is joined by his son Sebastian and daughter Manuela, to form their jewellery studio - Oro Negro. Ernesto moved to Aotearoa in 1999 and quickly drew comparisons between his Columbian indigenous tribe - Musica - and the Māori culture. With a desire to create contemporary jewellery as in his homeland, he attended Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth to learn the craft of stone carving, before refining his talents at Elam School of Fine Arts.
Traditionally, the toki or adze was expertly lashed to carved wooden shafts and wielded as tools and ceremonial objects by Māori.
The Toki
Toki are now worn around the neck as a symbol of strength and courage. This association links back to when toki blades crafted from pounamu were used as woodcutting tools due to pounamu's exceptional strength. It is said the Toki takes on the mauri or life force of the wearer, and this essence is passed from generation to generation.