This Hei Tiki is carved from Inanga Pounamu, a highly prized stone known for its soft, milky green tones and gentle translucency. This piece carries a calm, almost luminous quality, with subtle variations in colour that move between pale green and deeper earthy hues. The addition of pāua shell inlay
creates a striking contrast, bringing flashes of iridescent light and enhancing the presence of the carving.
This large-scale Hei Tiki
is a statement piece, carved to carry both visual presence and deep cultural meaning. Measuring 110mm in length, it sits boldly when worn, making it a powerful expression of identity and connection.
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- 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 Katene Campbell
Size 110mm long x 57mm wide x 20mm 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.
