Natural form Tangiwai Toki

This toki is made from one whole pebble of  Kōkōtangiwai (often known as just Tangiwai).  Tim lightly carved it to bring out the toki shape he could see within.  He polished some parts and left others raw, so you can enjoy the soothing, grounding feel of pounamu against your skin. Straight from Papatūānuku to you.  Hold on to your pebble if you are feeling anxious or frightened. It is incredible how soothing a pounamu pebble can be.

Toki had to be strong to endure the cutting and scraping motions of its use.  Therefore it has come to be a symbol of strength(particularity in time of adversity), courage and fortitude. Toki were also worn by elders as a symbol of power, wisdom and authority.

Kōkōtangiwai is the tears Ranginui cried when he was eternally separated from his wahine, Papatūānuku. As his tears fell on to Papatūānuku they solidified into the most beautiful, transluscent pounamu called Kōkōtangiwai. 

Tangi is to cry, wai is water.  Kōkōtangwai is a deep sorrow that is never completely healed.  I think most of us carry the memories of a lost loved one who sits deep in our hearts, a sweet sorrow.

Tangiwai is found only in Aotearoa and dwells in the areas of highest rainfall in Te Wai Pounamu. Tangiwai is the most ancient type of pounamu and is in fact a Bowenite rock, with a different composition to the more common Nephrite pounamu you will find available. 

• Kōkōtangiwai pounamu from Piopiotahi.
• Length 51mm x 50mm widest point.
• A one-of-a-kind taonga by Timoti.

💚Now every taonga you purchase helps us to carve a taonga for EVERY tamariki in care in Aotearoa. You can read more about our Tū Māia project here. Ngā mihi mahana for your support of this kaupapa!💚