Niho Paraoa Hei Tiki - Whale Tooth Tiki Pendant | Charlie Wilson

Sands Carving Studio

PNI3721S

Hei tiki represent the form of the first human, worn by Māori they are a prestigious gift. Hei tiki are a remembrance  of Tupuna (ancestors) that guide us forward. Hei tiki can be seen as ornaments of honor and status.

This whale tooth Hei Tiki is hung on an adjustable hand plait cord and measures 141 x 66 x 13mm

This piece was hand carved by Charlie Wilson.

Charles Raponi Wilson has been carving since the 1960s and is recognised as a leading carver of hei tiki, drawing inspiration from ancestral taonga. In 2009 he was commissioned by N.Z. Post along with other leading N.Z. artists to carve a hei tiki to feature on its annual Matariki stamp series. In 2010 his design was selected to feature on N.Z.'s most valuable legal tender coin - the 1oz. gold coin. Length 8.8 cm