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Hei Toki Blade Certified Ngāi Tahu Pounamu Aotearoa Greenstone
Hei Toki Blade Certified Ngāi Tahu Pounamu Aotearoa Greenstone
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Hei Toki blade (W16 L73 x D6) mm
Kawakawa Raukaraka Certified Ngāi Tahu Pounamu from Te Tai o Poutini o Te Waipounamu West Coast of the South Island
Waxed adjustable cording.
This Hei Toki has been crafted by hand in our Oro Negro Studio on Karangahape Road out of New Zealand Totoweka Pounamu stone from the West Coast of the South Island. This piece has been finished off with an adjustable <4-plaited black waxed cord.
The Hei Toki Blade is a culturally significant symbol within the Maori culture, representing courage and strength, particularly in times of difficulty. These blades were carved to be used as chisel tools for the practice of Whakairo (Traditional wood carving), to craft Marae (meeting houses) and Waka (canoes).
Hei Toki pendants were also worn by Māori elders to symbolise power, wisdom, and authority. The cultural legacy of Pounamu is far greater than just the tangible objects of
trade. Intangible meanings are also part of the heritage. The acts of making, selling, wearing, admiring, gifting, describing and imagining pieces of greenstone pounamu were expressions of culture in practice. Everyday objects can tell some of these stories and provide accounts of relationships, empowerment and ways of knowing the world.
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. As Colombian carvers, our practice is also about connecting with our own Indigenous South American art forms. 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 always be taken to minimise impact which could potentially cause hairlines cracks or breaks. Wearing your pounamu close to the skin will always act as a protective measure.
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Care instructions
Our Taonga & jewellery is made of high-quality metals and stones, that are made to be worn daily however they can still be damaged through contact with harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and collisions. Keep your Taonga/jewellery away from chlorinated water as it can erode the metal, Avoid any hard knocks and scratches to your stones. If your stones look dry, rub it against your skin or rub a small amount of natural oil such as olive or coconut on to it.
Gifting Pounamu
Pounamu is a tangible expression of love and appreciation, a physical gift that carries the essence of New Zealand's land and culture. Sourced from the heart of Aotearoa, this precious stone serves as a reminder of the significant place we call home, imbued with the rich cultural meaning of Māori whakairo (carving) traditions. When we gift pounamu, we are not only sharing a piece of New Zealand’s history but also intertwining it with our own personal stories, creating a connection that honors both the land and the people we cherish.
We invite you, when gifting a piece of pounamu, to wear it yourself before presenting it to your loved one. During this time, reflect on the blessing they are in your life. As the stone absorbs your skin oils, it will carry a part of you, creating a deeply personal connection that your friend will cherish.
Want to see more?
We are located in the heart of Auckland's CBD, making it easy for you to visit our store and experience the beauty of our handcrafted pieces in person. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or simply want to explore our collection, we'd love to welcome you and share the stories behind our creations. Come and visit us today!