Title: Hei Toki - Pendant
Artist: Stephen Myhre
Materials: N.Z Tangiwai (Pounamu/Greenstone), Hand Braided Beeswaxed Synthetic Six Plait Cord, Bone Slides.
Dimensions: Length 12cm x Width 4cm x Thickness 1.3cm
Cord Length: Adjustable
New Zealand tangiwai, this is the best material of this type I have ever had the pleasure of working. While toki are the representation of a tool, it occupied a larger cultural space. Some of the very earliest toki were finished to a much higher level than was needed for them to function as a tool, hinting at higher cultural values ascribed to them. Some were passed through whakapapa lines and others were worn by carvers as body adornment indicating their status. There are stories of how Toki were used to carve land forms.
Please note: This piece is part of the current exhibition Myths & Legends which is on show from the 1st-31st May. These works will be available to pick up in store (Steph Lusted Jewellery & Objets d'Art, 17 Whitmore Street, Wellington) on Saturday 31st May. Otherwise, if you choose the shipping option, will be couriered out to you on Tuesday 3rd June. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact me directly if you need this piece before these dates.
