This Toki (adze) pendant has been hand carved from New Zealand pounamu (greenstone/jade) by carver Ric Moor.

The Toki symbolizes strength, courage and overcoming adversity. The Toki design is derived from the Toki Poutangata which was a very valuable carving tool and more ornately carved.
Toki Poutangata were used for ceremonial purposes by Māori chiefs. The wearer of a Toki pendant is said to be the creator or shaper of their own pathway.

Pounamu is the Māori name for greenstone or nephrite jade which is only found in the South Island. It is an extremely tough material and is said to absorb the owners essential spirit, feeding it back to them and enhancing their strength.

Ric was born in the Bay of Islands where he spent much of his youth carving bone, stone and working with silver but now lives on the West Coast of the South Island. He has been carving for many years and loves working with pounamu because of its permanence and cultural significance.

Made in New Zealand