Pakohe Toki Matau Pendant | by Rueben Tipene

This beautiful Toki Matau Pendant has been carved from New Zealand Pakohe (argillite) by Rueben Tipene - Ngapuhi, Ngaitahu.

Rueben grew up having an appreciation of Toi Māori (Māori arts) and as a child he was drawn to drawing until a carver said to him, "if you can draw you can carve". From that point on, Rueben spent his time exploring natural materials that he could carve, such as shells, lime stone and wood. Carving pounamu, however, was of great interest for Rueben and when offered the opportunity to be mentored by master carver, Kerry Thompson, his career in stone carving was soilidified.

Rueben works predominantly with Pakohe (argillite) which is a mudstone that is associated in particular with the Nelson-Marlborough region in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
The use of Pakohe, dates back to the earliest Māori and was used extensively until pounamu (nephrite) was established as the preferred stone to work with because of its superior qualities.

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.