Details

Product of Aeon Giftware
New Zealand Made

Approx 290mm x 90mm x 10mm

Crafted from plantation grown gaboon with super fine detail featured in a striking black and Rimu surround.

Some believe Tiki was the first man in Maori legend, created by the Atua Tane (God of the forest). Others consider Tiki to be the Atua himself and the forefather of humankind. Whether man or God, there is consensus in Maori culture that humankind descends from Tiki lineage. When you break the word down into its separate parts, "Hei" denotes something worn around the neck and "Tiki" is a word used by Maori for human images carved into wood, bone, stone, or other material. A Hei Tiki is therefore an image carved in human form that is worn around the neck.

Traditionally, Hei Tiki are passed from parent to child or used for protection and good luck. Over time, as each generation has adorned the Hei Tiki, and as korero (stories) are told, the meaning and the prestige of the form has grown.