Collection: Hei Toki
The hei toki has its origins as a stone tool used throughout Polynesia. Māori revered their toki poutangata (ceremonial adzes), made of pounamu lashed onto exquisitely carved wooden handles. Toki poutangatas were wielded by rangatira / Māori chiefs and used on ceremonious occasions. Their spiritually significant taonga contain mauri (life force) and thus were carefully passed down from one generation to the next.
Māori knowledge, mātauranga intrinsically recognises that all animate and inanimate elements are infused with spirit or living essence; encompassing the element of stewardship, or kaitiakitanga, associated with the term when it is used in relation to resources, including land and water.OUR STORY
Crafted by hand at the Oro Negro Studio on Karangahape Road. We follow Māori Whakairo protocol in crafting taonga that honours the traditions of tangata whenua o Aotearoa. Acknowledging and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is an integral part of our Aotearoa New Zealand perspective.
CARE OF YOUR TAONGA
Pounamu polishes and shines itself overtime by absorbing the natural oils of your skin. Likewise, rubbing into the stone’s surface a natural oil such as olive or coconut oil will also add lustre. Our pounamu can be worn daily, yet care should be taken to minimise impact which could potentially cause hairline cracks or breaks. Wearing your pounamu close to the skin will always act as a protective measure.
