This piece is carved from New Zealand Pounamu by Hamilton
artist Alex Sands
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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.
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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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.
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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.
Alex Sands
The artist behind this creationAlex has been carving since childhood and is an expert at working with jade, as well as other mediums like Māori wood carving. His work is inspired by Aotearoa and traditional carving practices, as well as western culture and style. This is evident in his work, specialising in wearable art and sculptures, using complementary materials that showcase traditional designs as well as more contemporary forms of art.
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.