by 3 people |
The Toki Poutangata & Toki Pendants
The toki (adze) was used by the Maori as a everyday working tool for shaving and chipping and sometimes as a weapon.
This axlike tool looks like a large chisel but is not the same as the normal chisel (whao) which was used for carving. The toki was used for cutting down trees and in the production and decoration of canoes and houses.
Historically the adze was an important tool, weapon and some special reliquaries as ceremonial items. (toki poutangata) Nowadays more a symbol of power and authority. The bone or jade toki pendant was traditionally worn by Maori elders, as it represented power, wisdom and authority.
source photo: kiwitreasure
Stone, Jade and Bone Toki
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.
Toki-Pou-Tangata
symbol of leadership and authority
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.
Maori Toki Adze
Greenstone Toki
Pounamu
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
More on the Toki Poutangata
te papa tongarewa
- Museum of New Zealand
- The toki poutangata is a symbol of chiefly authority and tribal leadership. Made from an elegantly fashioned pounamu blade, often decorated with ornamental kaniwha notches that may be a mnemonic device to assist in the recitation of genealies; and fastened to carved wooden handle.
Hei Toki
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.
Arahura Kokopu Greenstone Toki Pendant
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
Black Jade Toki Pendants
Australian Nephrite
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.
Bone Toki Adze Pendants
hei toki by David Taylor
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
Symbolical Meaning of the Toki
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.
More Bone Toki Pendant Necklaces
Adze
woodworking tool
An adze or adz () is a tool used for smoothing rough-cut wood in hand woodworking. Generally, the user stands astride a board or log and swings the adze downwards towards their feet, chipping off pieces of wood, moving backwards as they go and leaving a relatively smooth surface behind. Adzes are most often used for squaring up logs, or for hollowing out timber.
The adze is also a tool of choice for building wreckers, laborers who dismantle old buildings by hand for salvage. The single tool can serve all the needs of deconstruction with proper use.Mooallem, Jon This Old Recyclable House, Retrieved 29 September 2008.
The blade of an adze is set at right angles to the tool's shaft (like a hoe or plane), unlike the blade of an axe which is set in line with the shaft. A very similar (but blunt) tool used for digging in hard ground is called a mattock.
Pounamu
Stone of the Gods
More Pounamu Toki Pendants
(Click Image)
Tangiwai Greenstone Toki Pendant
Price:NZD$79.95
(Click Image)
Snowflake Greenstone Toki (Adze) Pendant
Price:NZD$249.95
Toki Koru Pendants
handmade from Hukarere Greenstone
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.
Swamp Kauri Toki Pendant with Paua
This toki pendant is made of the thousands years old Kauri swamp wood and Paua shell. Click here for more info, price and buying. Greenstone Toki Adze Pendants
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.
TROUT INANGA POUNAMU (GREENSTONE) MAORI TOKI (ADZE)
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Toki Pou Tangata
and other Maori weapons
- maorisource.com
- Interesting info about Maori weapons and warfare.
What Do You Think?
-
Reply
- RinchenChodron RinchenChodron Nov 10, 2009 @ 7:50 am
- Very interesting - I learned a lot. Thanks
by MikLint
Explore related pages
Maori Hei Matau | Hand Made Fish Hook Pendants- Hei matau is the traditional Maori art of carving bone or jade (greenstone) into...
Noadi's Art on Etsy- Noadi's Art has been selling online for a while now but hadn't yet ventured onto...
Hei Tiki | Maori Tiki Necklace Pendants- Tiki necklaces (Hei tiki) are Maori ornamental neck pendants usually made of bon...
Cuttlefish Jewelry by Noadi's Art- Sculpted polymer clay cuttlefish jewelry designed by artist Sheryl Westleigh. Cu...
Art Nouveau Jewelry- Expressive, exotic, feminine and exuberant ~ that is Art Nouveau Jewelry. Listin...
Sculpted Gargoyle Jewelry- Gargoyles have been around since at least the Middle Ages as large carved or cas...
