This stunning Hei Tiki is handcrafted from a fine grade bright Inanga Pounamu - showing the gorgeous brighter green tone of Greenstone with several darker features within and the flower across the bottom. With eyes detailed of red wax, this stunning carving will be a wonderful taonga.
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.
Inanga
– This pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.
Hand Carved by Des Hetherington
Size 115mm long x 59mm 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.
