The Meaning of Maori Toki (Adze) Pendants
The Toki Poutangata & Toki Pendants
The toki (adze) was used by the Maori as a everyday working tool for shaving and chipping and sometimes as a weapon. This axlike tool looks like a large chisel but is not the same as the normal chisel (whao) which was used for carving. The toki was used for cutting down trees and in the production and decoration of canoes and houses. Historically the adze was an important tool, weapon and some special reliquaries as ceremonial items. (toki poutangata) Nowadays more a symbol of power and autho...

Hei Tiki | Maori Tiki Necklace Pendants
Treasures from the Land of the Long White Cloud
Tiki necklaces (Hei tiki) are Maori ornamental neck pendants usually made of bone or greenstone. Tiki also refers to human figures carved in wood which were used to mark sacred places and are common in the whole Polynesian area. The Tiki is one of the more mysterious Maori symbols because no one is absolutely sure about its exact historical meaning. The greenstone hei tiki is also the best known of the Maori ornaments and has been copied a lot for commercial purposes. Historically, hei tiki f...

Maori Bone & Jade Pendant Necklaces
Maori Bone and Jade Pendant Necklaces | Symbolic Meanings Explained
Maori bone and jade pendant necklaces are traditional, spiritual talismans from New Zealand. Carvers utilize several Maori symbols in these little works of art. Some of these designs are very popular and well known whereas others are less commonly known by the general public. World wide recognized symbols are the Koru, Tiki and Matau. Less well known are the Toki, Pikorua, Kowhaiwhai, Torea, Manaia and Tanwiha. This lens is a showcase of some of the most beautiful Maori bone and jade carved...