Ohau Pakohe Toki

This toki is a gorgeous example of Pakohe.  Carved from a piece of Pakohe gifted to Tim, the original stone is from Ohau Bay on Rangitoto-Ki-Te-Taonga(Durville Island).  The stone is a rare taonga in its own right. In a subtle green-grey, this pakohe toki pendant has intricate patterns and a lovely feel in the hands.

The faceted edging on this toki give it a very distinguished, stylish edge.  This toki would look great with a suit or even your black and whites, but equally at home when you are at a BBQ.  Giving you that stylish edge while keeping you connected to your tupuna and your whenua.

Earliest Māori communities recognised the superior qualities of Pakohe with its hardness, strength, and ability to hold a sharpened edge. Pakohe could be re-shaped, sharpened and smoothed which made it an ideal tool for Māori with limited resources. By drastically changing the temperature of Pakohe using fire and water, Māori could break the larger boulders into smaller workable pieces which never lost their strength.

Ngati Kuia is Iwi Pakohe. Pakohe was one of their main exports for trade with other Iwi and Pakeha. Ngati Kuia shipped Pakohe throughout all of Aotearoa. Pakohe was easier to work which made it more popular and practical than Pounamu.

Toki symbolise strength(particularity in time of adversity), courage and fortitude. It was also worn by elders as a symbol of power, wisdom and authority.

• Ohau Pakohe from Rangitoto-Ki-Te-Taonga(Durville Island)
• Length 63mm x 34mm wide
• Truly 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!💚