OCEAN'S CREATION

OCEAN'S CREATION - A beautiful New Zealand Aotea Stone Tiki

OCEAN'S CREATION is carved in Aotea Stone, this is a rare and very beautiful material found in limited quantities in New Zealand's South Westland.

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.

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.

Tiki are 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.

The artist has signed the back of this magnificent tiki.

We've hand plaited an adjustable, thick, cord in Camel. OCEAN'S CREATION is lovingly packaged in a woven kete pouch.

Shipping to you with Express Courier is included in the price.

Meaning: Fertility ~ Fortune ~ Creation

Artist: Yuki Tanaka

Material: New Zealand Aotea Stone with Pāua Shell Inlay Eyes

Cord Colour: Thick Camel Cord with Aquamarine Binding

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 117mm (4.6") long; 87mm (3.4") wide