HEI TIKI
In stock
HEI TIKI
This is a beautiful tiki - it has all the traditional elements that make this design wonderful. The tiki is steeped in tradition - described by Douglas Austin as 'an enduring treasure in a cultural continuum'. He writes '...the story of hei tiki mirrors the changing fortunes of a people, throughout times of prosperity, struggle, adaptation and resilience'. A brilliant description of an important cultural adornment.
A beautiful New Zealand Basalt Stone Tiki, hand carved by Alex Sands.
This piece is carved in a very traditional form - angled head, deep set carved eyes with Pāua Shell inserts. Directly beneath the head the inverted Y-shape represents the neck and ribcage. Both hands are braced on the thighs and this piece has a really prominent extended belly.
These are carved pendants that need to be worn and handled. The stone will absorb body oils and take on a wonderful glow. From time to time we receive older tiki back to replace cords, and it is quite something to see how well they respond to being used - so don't be afraid to put this on and leave it on!
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 who believed that it would promote fertility. Pregnant women wore tiki to promote a healthy and easy birth. They would wear the piece during the birth - and recite karakia, prayers, to the tiki asking for assistance in the birth of their child. 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.
The tiki is believed by some to have come from the stars, and was regarded as the 'first man'. He was (and still is) believed to have a positive influence on fertility, and to bring the wearer good luck.
Shipping to you with Express Courier is included in the price.
Meaning: Fertility ~ Fortune ~ Creation
Artist: Alex Sands
Material: New Zealand Basalt Stone with Pāua Shell Inlay Eyes
Cord Colour: Black/Silver Grey Cord with Silver Grey Floret
Cord Length: Adjustable
Size: 95mm (3.7") long; 52mm (2") wide
