tõi

tói is a term that appears in different linguistic and cultural contexts, and its meaning can vary accordingly. In English-language references, the closest widely known use is as a form of the Māori name Toi, particularly Toi-te-huatahi, a legendary ancestor in Māori cosmology. In Māori tradition, Toi-te-huatahi is presented as an early kūpuna (ancestor) who contributed to the diffusion of artistic skills among the people. He is often associated with the origins of whakairo (carving) and weaving, and his name appears in genealogies that link various iwi (tribes) to a common ancestry. The specific stories and the portrayal of Toi vary between iwi and sources, reflecting the diverse nature of oral histories in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Beyond Māori contexts, there is limited consensus on a single, precise definition for tói in widely available English-language sources. The spelling may occur as a variant of a personal name or as part of proper names in different languages, and it is not universally recognized as a standalone term with a fixed meaning.

See also

Toi-te-huatahi

Māori art

Whakairo

Note: Because tói can refer to different concepts in different traditions, readers seeking a precise definition should consider the cultural and linguistic context in which the term appears.