Toki o te wānanga #3

A continuation of the wānanga on the wisdom gained and carried through experiential learning.
This piece represents the coming together of hei toki (adze) used by our tūpuna for shaping waka, felling trees, and a huge range of practical craft and arts, with the kete (basket) representing knowledge. The combination of the act of hands-on doing with the ears and heart learning from wānanga and teaching is what I've been trying to build through our Shoebox Christmas rangatahi leadership programme, as well as a bunch of other kaupapa I've spent this year working on - this series is the physical, clutchable mihi or acknowledgment of that approach wherever it's applied.

Pounamu kawakawa, parāoa (whalebone), sterling silver.
Toggle made from Kapiti Island ōnewa and Kapiti Island pāua shell.
Waxed cord.
8cm long.