Kōpukupuku Aotea Hei Tiki

Sands Carving Studio

PKŌ2245S

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This beautiful Kōpukupuku Aotea Hei Tiki features dappled hues of yellow, green, blue and black. It has paua shell inlaid eyes and is bound with a black adjustable wax cord. It measures roughly 7.2 x 6 cm.

Hei tiki have become iconic emblems of both the Māori people and New Zealand. 

Hei tiki are highly prized taonga which were treasured and handed down from one generation to another.

The form represents Tiki, the mythical first human and are symbolic of our Tupuna (ancestors) that guide us forward, growing in mana (prestige) with each passing. They were also often given as a protection to pregnant women, but worn by both men and women as symbols of the significance of kinship. 

Aotea is a rare stone only found in South Westland New Zealand. It is made up of green Fuschite, blue Kyanite and white Quartz.

This piece was hand carved by Alex Sands