This beautiful Hei Tiki is handcrafted from a fine example of Te Tau Ihu Nelson Kahotea Pounamu. The colours of this stone are fantastic, with the flecks of light 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- 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.
Kahotea- is a shortened form of Kakahotea, meaning “the white flowering seed head of the Toetoe.” Tradition tells of a daughter of Kupe who discovered a white-skinned Pounamu boulder high on the bank of the Arahura River beside a flowering Toetoe. The name commemorates that first discovery. Many boulders are white on the outside and known as Kahotea, when cut open, it has unique white flecks, and streaks.
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: 154mm long x 86mm wide x 10mm 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.
