TIKI JEWELLERY - TRADITIONAL MAORI TREASURE
HAND-CARVED IN NEW ZEALAND BY LOCAL ARTISTS
VIEW THE TIKI JEWELLERY RANGE
As early Maori populations did not have a written language, tribal history and stories of the gods remained by using many forms of fine arts and crafts. These ranged from basket and cloth weaving to complex wood, bone, paua shell and jade carving. These artifacts were then handed down through generations of tribal elders and became sacred objects or treasures - "Taonga" - telling the history of a tribe for history. According to legend, these carvings would also spirits of past great leaders and warriors who had worn such jewellery.
The Tiki bonecarvings are often referred to as 'Hei Tiki ', 'Hei' means to wear a piece of Tiki Jewellery around ones neck. Tikis are also regarded as a good luck charm when worn and in some areas considered a fertility symbol. It is believed that a tiki bone carving which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A bonecarving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure.
Tiki jewellery is an ancient and complicated symbol, with meaning of which not much is understood. In popular belief, the Tiki came from the stars and that he was the first man of the world. Tiki are also often depicted with webbed feet which suggests a strong link to the creatures of the sea. Tiki was respected as the teacher of all worldly things and so therefore the wearer of this symbol is seen to possess clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character.
Every piece of Tiki Jewellery purchased through NZ Pacific is presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, and with a woven native flax bag designed to show the traditional styling and beauty of the bonecarving.
Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling of the meaning of the particular Tiki Jewellery.
We ship to Australia, USA, UK, Canada, and rest of world.
