Hei Tiki- The exact meaning behind the stylized design is deeply rooted in traditional Māori pakiwaitara (stories) and has been interpreted in a few different ways. In Māori legend, Tiki was the first mortal man created by Tāne (the god of the forest), making the carving a symbol of humankind's origins and lineage. Another widely held belief is that the figure represents Hine-te-iwaiwa, the moon goddess and patroness of fertility and childbirth. Because of its shape, many also interpret the design as a stylization of the human embryo. The distinct carved head tilted to the side is believed to symbolize a newborn child or spiritual wisdom. Additionally, the figures frequently display a blend of both male (Tāne) and female (Wāhine) features, representing the balance of life's energies.
Heru, used by Maori to fasten long hair into a top knot. These also identified the rank of the wearer and were usually carved from a single piece of whale bone or wood and on occasion decorated with paua shell.
These days many bone carvings are made from cattle bone as it is an ethically abundant source.
