This beautiful Hei Tiki is handcrafted from a fine example of Kahotea Pounamu. The colour of this stone is fantastic, with the flecks of darker stone usual to this type of Pounamu adding so much character to the piece - making this a truly unique taonga. This already magical carving is further enhanced by the Paua Shell carefully inlaid around the eyes.
Hei Tiki- According to legends Tiki was the first man on Earth who originated from the stars. The first mortal person who created the first woman after his image. The exact meaning of the Tiki is disputed. There are several opinions but the most accepted are that the Tiki stands for fertility. Traditionally regarded as a good luck charm meant to keep evil spirits away.
Kahotea
– Pounamu from the Greenstone, West Coast area. A type streaked or flecked with white. The name Kahotea derives from Kaho, meaning light coloured tea (white or clear).
Paua Shell
– Abalone, our Paua shell is rich and deep in iridescent colours unique to New Zealand. Found all around the rocky shoreline coast but grows best in southern waters. Paua shell has been traditionally used by Maori to illuminate the eyes & features of carvings and artwork. While Paua sits within the abalone family, which is found in other parts of the world, namely, South America, Australia, Western North America, and Japan, our Paua's hidden, bright multi-coloured interior shell is only found in New Zealand.
Hand Carved by Te Pōnui Raharuhi
Size: 142mm long x 83mm wide x 12mm 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.
