Hapopo Serpentine Toki (Adze)

This Hapopo Serpentine Toki is a taonga of strength, leadership, and resilience. 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. Traditionally, the toki represented not only craftsmanship and hard work but also wisdom, authority, and the pursuit of excellence.

Carved from genuine Hapopo Serpentine, this taonga showcases the rich green hues and striking natural patterns that make every piece truly unique. Formed over millions of years, the stone carries its own whakapapa, connecting the wearer to the landscapes of Aotearoa and the enduring strength of Papatūānuku. Each carving celebrates the natural beauty of the stone while preserving its individuality and wairua.

The binding, completed by Hemi himself, is woven with care and intention, creating a lasting connection between the stone, the carver, and the wearer. Every stage of the carving process—from selecting the stone to the final polish—is undertaken with respect for its whakapapa, ensuring every taonga carries meaning that can be treasured for generations.

🔹 Material: Genuine Hapopo Serpentine (New Zealand Stone)
🔹 Style: Traditional Toki (Adze) – symbolising strength, leadership, resilience, and achievement
🔹 Binding: Waxed cord, hand-bound by the carver
🔹 Finish: Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural colours and patterns
🔹 Carver: Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver
🔹 Origin: Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand

Whether worn as a symbol of personal strength, gifted to celebrate a milestone, or treasured as a connection to whakapapa and tradition, this toki carries both story and mauri (life force).

Exclusively available through Toki Toru Pounamu.