This fine Hei Tiki is hand carved from a gorgeous piece of Hapopo Pounamu with a dark piece of Kawakawa Pounamu pinned and red waxed on the face. The body displays soft green tones with natural variations and the face is rich and dark with bright red wax eyes. A unique taonga for a unique loved one.
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.
Hapopo- Genuine West Coast Greenstone. It's colour ranges from medium green to a dark forest green with a unique mottled texture. The name originating from Kā Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay) which is in Poutini ki te toka (South Westland).
Carved by Des Hetherington
Size 95mm long x 65mm wide x 15mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
