Hei Toki - Kaha Pumau - Abiding Strength
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This Hei Toki is named Kaha Pumau which means abiding strength.
In general, the Hei Toki (adze) is a symbol of strength, courage, power, and authority. Traditionally they had two uses.
They were functional tools used for cutting down trees and used by Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver) to create their elaborate carvings.
Secondly, they were bound to ornate wooden handles and used for ceremonial purposes. Only strong Chiefs with a lot of mana could wield the toki poutangata (ceremonial axe). Due to this connection with Māori chiefs, they are a symbol of great mana. Over time they have become more and more decorative, ornamental and elaborate. Therefore, expressing various layers of meaning.
When a great tree was felled for the purposes of making a special waka (canoe) or a carving for a meeting house (Whare Nui), the first chips of wood taken from the tree were given to the Tohunga (elder or priest) who took them to a special place where a karakia of thanks was recited.
Where the cord is attached to the taonga, there is an inlay of mother of pearl set in a brass ring. It is a symbol of being bound to the Creator.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This Hei Toki is named Kaha Pumau which means abiding strength.
In general, the Hei Toki (adze) is a symbol of strength, courage, power, and authority. Traditionally they had two uses.
They were functional tools used for cutting down trees and used by Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver) to create their elaborate carvings.
Secondly, they were bound to ornate wooden handles and used for ceremonial purposes. Only strong Chiefs with a lot of mana could wield the toki poutangata (ceremonial axe). Due to this connection with Māori chiefs, they are a symbol of great mana. Over time they have become more and more decorative, ornamental and elaborate. Therefore, expressing various layers of meaning.
When a great tree was felled for the purposes of making a special waka (canoe) or a carving for a meeting house (Whare Nui), the first chips of wood taken from the tree were given to the Tohunga (elder or priest) who took them to a special place where a karakia of thanks was recited.
Where the cord is attached to the taonga, there is an inlay of mother of pearl set in a brass ring. It is a symbol of being bound to the Creator.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This Hei Toki is named Kaha Pumau which means abiding strength.
In general, the Hei Toki (adze) is a symbol of strength, courage, power, and authority. Traditionally they had two uses.
They were functional tools used for cutting down trees and used by Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver) to create their elaborate carvings.
Secondly, they were bound to ornate wooden handles and used for ceremonial purposes. Only strong Chiefs with a lot of mana could wield the toki poutangata (ceremonial axe). Due to this connection with Māori chiefs, they are a symbol of great mana. Over time they have become more and more decorative, ornamental and elaborate. Therefore, expressing various layers of meaning.
When a great tree was felled for the purposes of making a special waka (canoe) or a carving for a meeting house (Whare Nui), the first chips of wood taken from the tree were given to the Tohunga (elder or priest) who took them to a special place where a karakia of thanks was recited.
Where the cord is attached to the taonga, there is an inlay of mother of pearl set in a brass ring. It is a symbol of being bound to the Creator.
This carving comes with a certificate of authenticity. I hope you like the carving enjoy the meaning expressed within this creation.
I wish you and your whānau the deepest blessings.
Arohanui
Andrew Doughty
Database Reference: 100-717
