Black Hokitika Serpentine Medium Toki (Adze)

This Black Hokitika Serpentine Toki is a taonga of strength, leadership, resilience, and purpose. Hand-carved by 16-year-old Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, it honours the tradition of the toki (adze), a symbol of determination, achievement, and the ability to shape one's own path.

Carved from genuine Hokitika Black Serpentine, this taonga showcases deep black tones with subtle natural markings and variations that make every piece completely unique. The natural character of the stone reflects the strength and enduring beauty of Te Waipounamu. Its strong, refined form represents discipline, focus, and the courage to move forward.

Every stage of the carving process is completed by Hemi with patience, purpose, and respect for the whakapapa of the stone. From selecting and shaping the stone through to grinding, polishing, and finishing, each step contributes to the story of the taonga and honours its journey from te taiao into the hands of its wearer.

The binding is completed by Hemi himself and carefully hand-finished, creating a connection between the stone, the carver, and the wearer. No two pieces are exactly the same, allowing each toki to carry its own natural character and story.

🔹 Material: Genuine Hokitika Black Serpentine
🔹 Style: Toki (Adze) – symbolising strength, leadership, resilience, and achievement
🔹 Binding: Waxed polyester cord, hand-bound by the carver
🔹 Finish: Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural depth and character
🔹 Carver: Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver
🔹 Origin: Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand
🔹 One-of-a-kind: Natural variations make every taonga unique

Whether worn as a symbol of strength, gifted to mark an important milestone, or treasured as a connection to whakapapa and tradition, this toki carries both story and mauri.

Created with intention. Worn with meaning.

Exclusively available through Toki Toru Pounamu.