The Meaning of Maori Toki (Adze) Pendants

Hei - to suspend or wear from the neck
Toki - adze (woodworking tool)

The hei toki (adze, hand ax) symbolizes power and triumph in times of misfortune.

Ceremonial hei toki were used by the Maori to guard themselves against threats.

Hei toki, worn by Maori chiefs and warriors, were attributed huge amounts of power.

The process of creating the Maori toki from fine-grained rock such as basalt, argillite, and greywwacke took months. The rough rocks were cut with other stone implements and then smoothed by sanding against sandstone (and/or sand and water). It was then polished by rubbing the almost finished toki against skin. This process was a favorite occupation of the old. Finally the toki was bound to a wooden handle and the axe was ready to use. Source: AucklandMuseum.com

The toki poutangata is a ceremonial adze. The handle made of the most beautiful types of wood and the elegant blade made of the finest pounamu. Detailed carvings of different symbolical beings like the manaia or tiki decorated the handle. Feathers of the most sigificant birds and strips of dog hair were used for further adornment.

This item was such a personal belonging that when the owner died the carved handle was taken with him in his grave. The jade blade was attached to a new handle to be passed on to the new owner.

As many Maori heirlooms toki poutangata were given names, and were attributed magical powers.

It is thought that the toki poutangata was used for the ceremonial execution of important and respected captured enemies. Death by such a sacred weapon (patu) was considered an honor whereas slavery was humiliation.

This Arahua greenstone toki adze ( shown on the polaroid above) is hand carved by Glen Surgenor. This Maori artist has been carving greenstone for over 25 years.

Surgenor uses traditional methods when carving. This item was sand stone rubbed for an authentic artifact appearance, just as the old Maori masters would have crafted them. The wooden handle has a hei tiki ornament carved into it. Click the link below for a photo gallery and more info on this one off unique piece.

Maori Adze - Toki Pou Tangata

This is one of my favorite toki pendants. It is carved from rare Arahura Kokopu pounamu (greenstone). Too bad it is already sold out. (many of these precious pendants are unique and literally one of a kind)

The name of this type of pounamu comes from the river Arahura where it is found. New Zealand. This greenstone is also known as 'Speckled Trout'. The darker spots on the stone are similar to the patterns found on the 'Kokopu', which is the Maori name for the NZ native 'trout'.

More designs here

These beautiful toki adze pendants are made of black Australian nephrite jade. The cords are traditionally bound.

A woven flax presentation case and information on the meaning of the Toki design is also included.

This bone toki pendant is from the hand of traditional Maori bone carver David Taylor.

The beautiful detailed kowhaiwhai pattern makes this hei toki even more special. The traditional lashing at the top of the pendant sets this little art work off appropriately.

For more info and price of this unique, one off, hand carved piece click here

Maori designs are based on their spiritual and symbolical meanings. The toki designs resemble strength, control, focus and determination. All traits necessary for both creating successful carvings as well as in life itself.

Pounamu ornaments should be worn with respect or given and received with love. When done so it is thought to take on part of the spirit of the wearer.

The wide variety of rock types available in New Zealand made it possible to create all kinds of tools, weapons and ornaments. The labor-intensive process consisted of adjusting and endless grinding with water and sand until the right shape had been created.

New Zealand nephrite or jade found in the South Island of New Zealand, named pounamu by the Maori, was not only used for ornamental purposes but also in tools like the Toki (adze). Also stone types like greywacke, adzite or argillite were used to make the toki.

The toki was mainly was a woodworking tool being used for building houses, fences or canoes. Sometimes though the toki was also used as a weapon.

Maori Toki Adze Pendant

Toki pendants were worn by Maori elders or chiefs (Rangatira) and other highly ranked individuals with mana.

(Click Image)

Tangiwai Greenstone Toki Pendant

Price:NZD$79.95

(Click Image)

Snowflake Greenstone Toki (Adze) Pendant

Price:NZD$249.95

The meaning of the Maori word Hukarere is snow or snow flake. In earlier days Hukarere was a name given to male babies. Nowadays it is a female name.

This toki is made of snowflake (Hukarere) greenstone from the Cascade Plateau in the south west area of New Zealand's south island. Traditionally carved in Maori style by Nathan Jerry from the Ngati Kiriwai hapu (tribe).

Cascade Snowflake (Hukarere) Greenstone Hei Toki & Koru Pendant

(Click Image)

Price:NZD$259.00

The other toki pendants are already sold out.

This toki pendant is made of the thousands years old Kauri swamp wood and Paua shell. Click here for more info, price and buying.

This is not a pendant but a clear acrylic photo block with the image mounted onto the back of the block, giving a fantastic 3D effect.

Visit the shop for more info and buying.

Can't get enough of Maori carvings? Check out Tuarangi.com. Learn more about Maori history and bone, jade, and wood carvings.