Akeake | The Patu

These Akeake Patu earrings represents the weapon Māori use, patu, giving strength and courage to face and achieve anything in life.  They are made at a significant time, with strong meanings throughout the year 2024.  I am very proud as a New Zealander to make these, and that the patu earrings will give the strength and power felt within to the wearer of these iconic New Zealand Māori earrings, giving a lifetime of empowerment.

The exceptionally hard wood of akeake (Dodonaea) was much favoured by Māori for making taiaha, patu and other weapons as well as garden implements. The name akeake meaning ‘for ever for ever’ is best summed up by the words spoken by Hauraki Tonganui on 2 April 1864 at the battle of Orakau “E hoa, ka whawhai tonu ahau ki a koe, ake ake!” meaning: “Friend, I shall fight against you for ever, for ever!”

As with all en Joy wooden earrings, these can be dressed up for work, or worn as every-day casual, or to add something special to going out.

Handcrafted, these earrings are made from an Akeake tree in Macandrew Bay, Dunedin.  offcuts generously donated by a local arborist. 

Earring hooks: Titanium - completely allergy free
Size:  L60  mm x W13 mm x D5  mm

en Joy wooden earrings are finished with a mix of natural oils, tree resin and natural wax. They are easy-care, very lightweight with a wonderfully smooth, highly-sanded finish. 

As it is in nature, there is harmony in surrounding colours.  How beiges and neutral tones go with anything on a colour scheme, the tones of wood match well with any clothing colours.  Wood also blends beautifully with hair and skin colours - or be contrasting.  This creates the opportunity for someone to choose something that really suits their colouring, personality and style.