MENS NECKLACE IN TRADITIONAL MAORI BONE
HAND-CARVED BY NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS
VIEW THE COMPLETE HAND CRAFTED MENS NECKLACE RANGE HERE
The traditional Mens Necklace is considered a good luck charm when worn and in some regions is also regarded as a fertility symbol. New Zealand indigenous Maori often refer to the mens necklace as 'Tiki' or Hei Tiki as 'Hei' means to wear around ones neck.
The Tiki (Mens Necklace) is an ancient symbol and is by far the least understood, so there are a number of legends around its meaning.
Some say Tiki came from the stars and that he was the first man of the world. Mens' Necklaces are also often depicted with webbed feet - suggesting a strong link to sea creatures.
Tiki on male necklaces were very respected, seen as the teacher of all things. The wearer of this necklace is therefore seen to possess clarity of thought, strength of character, loyalty, and great inner knowledge.
The bone carvings for these mens necklaces are based on Maori designs, and have special significance as Pre-European Maori had no written language, therefore tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept using fine arts and crafts - ranging from basket and cloth-weaving to complex wood, bone, shell and jade carving. These artifacts were then handed down through generations of tribal elders and became sacred objects or treasures, or "Taonga", telling the history of tribes and taking on the spirits of past great leaders and men who had worn such necklaces.
It is believed that a mens necklace worn with respect or given and received with love, take on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. It becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time & distance. A men's necklace carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a powerful and great treasure.
Every men's necklace purchased through NZ Pacific is presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, along with native flax bag woven to show the traditional styling and beauty of the carving.
Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling the meaning of the particular Mens Necklace .
