Flower Jade Toki - New Zealand

          T5

Drop : 50mm

Wide : 13 mm

Weight : 10.4 g

In Māori, "toki" means an adze, a traditional woodworking tool, and symbolizes strength, courage, determination, and authority.

Literal Meaning and Historical Use
The word toki literally translates to “adze”, a tool used by Māori for woodworking tasks such as felling trees, hollowing out waka (canoes), and constructing houses and wharenui (communal houses)

Traditionally, toki were made from pounamu (greenstone), lashed to wooden handles with flax, and carefully shaped to create a sharp, durable blade
The tool’s design, with a thick end for attachment and a sloped blade, allowed it to be swung powerfully for cutting & Carving & gardening.

Symbolic Significance
Beyond its practical use, the toki holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is a symbol of strength, courage, determination, leadership, and authority
Chiefs and notable iwi members often used toki ceremonially, such as cutting down large trees, demonstrating both physical power and social status.

The toki also embodies mana, representing the prestige, spiritual strength, and life force of the wearer or wielder

Modern Use and Cultural Legacy
Today, toki are commonly worn as pendants carved from pounamu, serving as a taonga (treasure) that connects the wearer to Māori heritage and ancestral strength
They are often given as gifts to honor someone’s mana and to symbolize courage, skill, and determination
The toki continues to carry the spirit and energy of previous owners, growing in significance as it is passed down through generations

Summary

In summary, the toki is both a practical tool and a profound cultural symbol in Māori society. It represents physical and spiritual strength, leadership, courage, and determination, and remains a cherished emblem of Māori identity and heritage.

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