Onewa Curved Toki (Adze) 

This Onewa Curved Toki is a taonga representing strength, leadership, determination, and resilience. Hand-carved by Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, this piece honours the traditional form of the toki (adze), a symbol of achievement, wisdom, authority, and the ability to shape one's own path.

The curved profile gives this toki a distinctive flowing appearance, combining the strength of the traditional adze form with a natural sense of movement and balance. Its curved shape represents adaptability, perseverance, and the ability to navigate life's challenges while remaining strong in one's purpose.

Carved from genuine Onewa stone, this taonga showcases the natural character and distinctive appearance of the material. The stone's natural tones and individual markings give the toki its own identity, making each carving unique. Its solid form and carefully shaped curves highlight the natural beauty of the stone and the craftsmanship involved in bringing it to life.

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 original material through to grinding, refining, polishing, and finishing, each step contributes to the character of the finished 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, bringing together the stone and cord to create a finished taonga ready to be worn. The combination of the curved toki form, natural Onewa stone, and detailed hand-finishing makes this a distinctive piece of Māori stone carving.

🔹 Material: Genuine Onewa Stone
🔹 Design: Curved Toki (Adze)
🔹 Meaning: Strength, leadership, determination, resilience, adaptability, 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, Māori stone 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 personal strength, gifted to celebrate an important achievement, or treasured as a meaningful connection to Māori stone carving, this Onewa Curved Toki carries its own character, story, and mauri.

Created with intention. Worn with meaning.

Exclusively available through Te Toki Toru Pounamu.