VESTIGIA DEI
Out of stock
VESTIGIA DEI - FOOTPRINTS OF GOD
Beautiful New Zealand Jade Tiki pendant, hand carved by Des Hetherington.
VESTIGIA DEI is a large tiki - carved from a superb piece of Marsden jade. The craftsmanship is OUTSTANDING. Look closely at the photos and the video and you will see detail that perhaps isn't evident at first glance. This piece is as masterfully carved as any we have seen - a jade carving for collectors of traditional art.
VESTIGIA DEI is a collectible piece - the stone Des has used is beautiful Marsden jade - it is a deep, clean green with a little subtle clouding.
The design is a traditional one - angled head, deep set eyes made of Pāua Shell, a central ridge beneath the head representing the neck, which forks at the end to the sides of the body, representing ribs. The hands are braced on the thighs with a beautiful raised puku (belly).
We have added a couple of photos to show the stone the tiki was carved from and the early thoughts Des laid down on the raw stone.
VESTIGIA DEI - is a spectacular piece and we are sure will become a family heirloom.
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.
We will ship to you with DHL Express Courier.
Meaning: Fertility ~ Fortune ~ Creation
Material: New Zealand Marsden Jade, Pounamu with Pāua Shell inlay eyes
Artist: Des Hetherington
Cord: Black Cord with Pohutukawa Red Popper and Slip Knots
Length: Adjustable
Size: 96mm (3.7") long; 52mm (2.0") wide
