This large Toki is hand carved from Tangiwai Pounamu, showing the deep tones that give this stone its distinctive clarity. The strong proportions and clean shaping give the piece real presence, while the smooth polish enhances the depth and translucence of the Tangiwai. A bold, well balanced pendant with grounded strength and refined character.
Toki/Adze
– The Toki had much meaning for the Māori, fashioned from stone or greenstone it was an essential tool for survival and day to day life for the Māori. That is the reason Māori attribute the spiritual meaning of strength and power to the Toki. This symbol represents Mana, determination, control, strength, focus and honour.
Tangiwai
is the most ancient form of pounamu. It is bowenite rock, which is different in composition to the more common nephrite. A translucent to transparent olive green to bluish-green variety of serpentine, most Tangiwai is sourced from two isolated areas at Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Poison Bay and Anita Bay and deposits found in Nelson. Tangiwai takes its name from the tears that come from great sorrow. Tangi means "to cry" and Wai means "water", or "tears". Koko-Tangiwai, the longer name for this stone, refers to a deep sorrow that is never completely healed. There are many sad stories that tell of Tangiwai pounamu's origins.
Hand carved by Mark Stewart
Size 113mm long x 54mm wide x 19mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos. There may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
