Toki (Adze): A Timeless Symbol
Introduction
Hei Toki (Adze) is a revered emblem of Māori culture, representing strength, determination, and courage. My own journey with the toki began in my father’s workshop, where I spent countless hours watching him carve and shape pounamu (greenstone) into these timeless creations. As part of Arrowtown Stonework, I carry on our family’s passion for carving toki and sharing their cultural significance with others.
When I prepared to travel overseas for the first time, I carved my own toki from a stunning green flower pounamu. My father then finished and polished it before gifting it to me, offering not just a functional piece of craftsmanship, but also a tangible link to home, whānau, and mana. This personal connection underscores the enduring role of the toki, not only as a tool but as a cultural treasure that transcends its practical origins.
Ancestral Origins
Māori tradition holds that the great navigator Kupe, together with his companion Ngahue, discovered pounamu in Aotearoa. They transported several boulders back to Hawaiki, which were then crafted into tools that shaped many of the seafaring waka. This heritage positions the toki at the heart of Māori exploration and settlement, underscoring its significance as both an ingenious technological asset and a symbol of resilience.
Pounamu: The Preferred Stone
Because Māori did not have access to metal, pounamu became the stone of choice for crafting toki. Its hardness, density, and ability to hold a razor-sharp edge allowed Māori to work more effectively, whether felling trees or carving waka. These practical advantages, paired with its cultural importance, made the pounamu toki a cherished taonga (treasure) and a vital part of Māori tradition.
Craftsmanship and Function
Toki were made in a range of shapes and sizes, from short, broad blades to elongated, narrow ones, each tailored for a specific use. While some adzes featured a straight bevel, others were hollowed or curved. This adaptability showcased the skill of Māori carvers, who molded each piece to suit tasks like shaping waka, constructing community structures, or performing daily woodwork.
Ceremonial Significance
Beyond their everyday use, toki were steeped in ritual and symbolic meaning. Certain toki poutangata (ceremonial adzes) were reserved purely for display, signifying authority and leadership. These intricately adorned pieces often included carvings or notches representing whakapapa (genealogy), intertwining the physical tool with ancestral heritage and responsibility.
Continuing the Legacy at Arrowtown Stonework
Today, Arrowtown Stonework embraces this heritage by highlighting the enduring connection between people, place, and the power of stone. Inspired by the knowledge I gained from my father, I strive to preserve and share the profound ties that exist between past and present. Whether carving a new toki or reflecting on the voyaging feats of Kupe, our work carries on the resilience, skill, and legacy that have shaped Aotearoa for centuries.
The toki my father gave me remains a cherished reminder of my roots and the values that guide me. By sharing its story, we invite you to discover the depth and significance of hei toki, not merely as a functional tool, but as a living link to home, identity, and cultural heritage. If you’d like to learn more about our carving process or explore these taonga for yourself, we welcome you to connect with us at Arrowtown Stonework.