PNI3721S
$5,349.00
Hei tiki represent the form of the first human. When worn, they provide a tangible link to the tūpuna (ancestors) that brought us into this world and guide us forward. Traditionally worn by Māori as ornaments of respect and status, they are a prestigious gift to be handed down as taonga (treasure) through the generations carrying the wisdom and mana of those who wore them previously.
This hei tiki was exquisitely hand-carved by master carver Charlie Wilson from sperm whale tooth in his distinctive style. It measures 141mm by 66mm. is side-hung on an adjustable hand-plaited cord.
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 NZ Post along with other leading Aotearoa artists to carve a hei tiki to feature on its annual Matariki stamp series. In 2010, his design was selected to feature on Aotearoa NZ's most valuable legal tender coin - the 1oz. gold coin. Length 8.8 cm
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