Toki Pounamu Pendant | by Karaitiana Akroyd

This beautiful Toki pendant has been hand carved from New Zealand pounamu (greenstone/jade) by carver Karaitiana Akroyd - Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te-Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tūhoe.

The Toki symbolizes strength, courage and overcoming adversity. The Toki design is derived from the Toki Poutangata which was a very valuable carving tool and more ornately carved.
Toki Poutangata were used for ceremonial purposes by Māori chiefs. The wearer of a Toki pendant is said to be the creator or shaper of their own pathway.

Pounamu is the Māori name for greenstone or nephrite jade which is only found in the South Island. It is an extremely tough material and is said to absorb the owners essential spirit, feeding it back to them and enhancing their strength.

Karaitiana Akroyd links to both the East and West Coasts of Te-Ika-a-Māui, Aotearoa. Karaitiana has carved for over 8 years and during this time he has been extremely dedicated to his craft, which rarely feels like work to Karaitiana.

Having supported youth, young adults, and families who have experienced domestic violence, he sought a creative outlet for what became a heavy weight to carry. Karaitiana’s carving began with pounamu and quickly became a medium of creativity, self-care, and gift-giving.

Karaitiana was formally trained at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) - Te Takapū ō Rotowhio, New Zealand Stone and Bone carving school (2020-2022). He is appreciative of the opportunities he has been offered to date, including the many artists who have influenced Karaitiana’s art career. He feels privileged to have spent time with each of these individuals and is grateful to have had mentors such as Barry Te Whatu, Lewis Tamihana-Gardiner, Alan Hobbs, and Renate Verbrugge supporting him and his work.

Karaitiana is based in Gisborne and carves a variety of media including pounamu, various stones and bone. He also creates large scale works.

Made in New Zealand