TĪ KŌUKA
In stock
TĪ KŌUKA
A wonderful, traditional tiki - beautifully carved with lots of detail. We have named this piece TĪ KŌUKA after the New Zealand Cabbage Tree. It was not uncommon to find Māori carvings in living cabbage trees, and this piece evoked memories of these. The material is deer antler and it is grainy striated and gnarly - just like the tree!
View the photos, and the video, to appreciate the craftsmanship. Note the variation in the antler between the front and the back - the back is slightly more porous and gives the pendant a beautiful organic look and feel. This piece has a wonderful golden colour on the back - the other two pieces we have are a darker grey/black colour.
The tiki is a well recognised symbol in Maori culture, but also has historical roots in Hawaiian and wider Polynesian cultures. It is believed to symbolise fertility, and was often worn by women as a fertilising symbol. Its form is believed to represent a human embryo, often carved with the hands placed on the loins in what is believed to be a direct reference to fertility.
These pendants were traditionally highly valued and wearers were seen to possess clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character.
We will deliver this beautiful Tiki on a plaited safari adjustable cord
Delivery with Express Courier is included in the price.
Material: Deer Antler with Pāua shell eyes
Cord Colour: Safari Cord with Charcoal Grey Popper
Cord Length: Adjustable
Size: 71mm (2.8") long; 39mm (1.5") wide
