Aroha Toki

Toki Pendant by Jen Hung
Aroha stone
Pendant 6cm x 2cm
Adjustable Cord with blue, pink and purple thread

Jen Hung, originally from Taiwan, studied art history at University but had never
carved stone until attending Tai Poutini Polytechnics jade and hard stone carving course in 2004.

Jen loves listening to classical music when carving: As I listen to music and draw, I can see the flowing lines. The music inspires me.

Other inspiration comes from Maori art, the New Zealand bush, scenery and the
natural environment. Her art echoes the abstracted shapes of plants, water currents and landforms.

Even the smallest carved stone work takes many hours to craft, but Jen cannot
put a time on how long any one piece took her to make, designing, then grinding
and polishing in her home workshop before plaiting the string.

When you are making these, you are not thinking about value or time. You are just thinking how to make it beautiful.

Aroha is the meaning of “unconditional love” in Maori and carries a feminine energy with an energetic, strong vibration. It is a stone that is said to heal those who may be broken spiritually from addictions, love or the true spiritual self.

The Toki is the Maori tribal symbol of strength. Its shape represents an axe head. This carving tool based symbol resembles determination, control, strength and honour. It was traditionally carved in stone or greenstone and was passed down as an heirloom.