| iki are traditional figural necklaces worn by the Maori | | | | the hei tiki holds the spiritual presence of previous |
| people of New Zealand. There are many theories | | | | owners. For many modern Maori, the wearing of |
| regarding the history or legend of these pendants, | | | | hei-tiki pendants represents a generalized sense of |
| which are often regarded as good luck charms or | | | | New Zealand identity. Today, hei-tiki remain treasured |
| symbols of fertility. In New Zealand, the hei-tiki | | | | heirlooms (toanga) in Maori culture and are worn on |
| figures are typically carved from green stone, such | | | | ceremonial occasions. |
| as jade or nephrite, and worn around the neck. | | | | Today, there are several styles of hei-tiki which may |
| Today, Hei tikis are mainly worn by woman. | | | | be found in New Zealand. The first style has a head |
| The Maori have occupied New Zealand for at least | | | | body ratio of around 30/70, with delicate ears, |
| three thousand years, and the historical origins of | | | | elbows, and knees. The head is typically carved in a |
| many aspects of Maori culture, including the hei-tiki, | | | | tilted fashion, with one hand on the chest and the |
| are not well understood. In fact, the Hei-Tiki is one of | | | | other on the thigh. The other style of hei-tiki has a |
| the more mysterious Maori symbols, with many | | | | larger head and eyes, with both hands placed on the |
| stories surrounding its traditional meaning. | | | | thighs. Many have noted that this type of hei-tiki |
| Hei-Tiki are often referred to as 'tiki,' or 'tiki | | | | looks much more like the wooden tiki sculptures |
| necklaces,' although the name tiki usually refers to | | | | found throughout Polynesia. |
| large human figures carved in wood and originating in | | | | Traditionally, these figures were carved from |
| various islands in Polynesia. 'Tiki' may also be used in | | | | nephrite, a green stone also known as pounamu, |
| some Polynesian cultures as a general term for | | | | which is prized by Maori culture for its hardness and |
| carvings, not just the human figures famously known | | | | beauty. Maori call the South Island of New Zealand |
| as tiki gods. One theory of the story behind hei-tiki | | | | 'Te Wai Pounamu,' a reference to this important |
| pendants connects them with Tiki, who in Maori | | | | stone. The stone is used for pendants and other |
| legend is the first man. The two most prevalent | | | | ornamental carvings, as well as for weapons and |
| beliefs about the meaning of hei-tiki are | | | | tools. Often, tools such as rectangular adze blades |
| representations of memorials to ancestors, or the | | | | served as the raw material for these carved figures. |
| goddess of childbirth. | | | | First, the stone would be smoothed by rubbing it |
| In ancient Maori society, hei-tiki were often buried | | | | with an abrasive compound, such as sand. Then, the |
| when their wearer died. Later, they would be | | | | details would be painstakingly carved using sticks and |
| retrieved to be used in times of mourning. These | | | | water, removing as little material as possible. This |
| pendants were also given as symbolic gifts to | | | | was very difficult work, given both the primitive tools |
| women having trouble conceiving. Their power is | | | | of the ancient Maori people and the desire to |
| believed to increase as the pendant passes from | | | | preserve as much of the valuable stone as possible. |
| generation to generation, and it is often believed that | | | | Finally, the stone is polished and suspended on a cord. |