This Hei Tiki Toki sits neatly in the palm of a hand but the wonderful detail achieved by the carver even at this scale can be appreciated from the closeup photograph seen here. A taonga made by a master carver from the finest rich, dark Kawakawa Pounamu, able to be appreciated by a lucky owner and generations to come.
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.
Toki - Adze
– The Toki had much meaning for the Māori, fashioned from stone or greenstone it was an essential tool for survival and day to day life for the Māori. That is the reason Māori attribute the spiritual meaning of strength and power to the Toki. This symbol represents Mana, determination, control, strength, focus and honour.
Kawakawa- is the most common variety of Pounamu. it comes in many shades - from strong, rich green to dark green - and often has small dark flecks, which add to its character. Named after the leaf of the Kawakawa. It is the main type used in gem purposes.
Hand Carved by Andy Ruskin
Size 82mm long x 20mm wide x 7.2mm thick (at the thickest part of the Toki)
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.
