This beautifully carved Moko Pounamu Hei Tiki is crafted from NZ genuine Kahurangi pounamu, known for its vibrant green colouring and luminous clarity. The stone displays bright, glowing tones with natural flecks and inclusions that add depth and individuality, making this a truly unique taonga.
Kahurangi pounamu is highly prized for its vivid green hues and semi-translucent quality. The polished finish enhances the natural brightness of the stone, allowing light to move through the surface and highlight its natural character. The detailed carving of the Hei Tiki form reflects traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance.
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.
Kahurangi- Genuine West Coast Greenstone from the Marsden, West Coast area. Kahurangi is the rarest variety of pounamu. It is highly translucent and often comes in vivid shades of green. Small, feather-like markings in the stone can give a cloud effect – although to be classed as Kahurangi, this effect must not reduce the stone’s clarity. The word Kahurangi also indicates nobility and refers to precious jewels and held in high esteem by Māori.
Hand Carved by Glen Surgenor
Size 48mm long x 30mm wide
This is an example of the carving you will receive. You will not receive this exact piece, but one that is similar. This is due to each piece being carved from natural Greenstone where the colouring will differ depending on the elements in the stone.
