Anthropomorphic amulet pendant "hei-tiki", 19th century

Description

Nephrit, base

To the Maori “hei tiki” represented outstanding pieces of jewellery, although their origin is still obscure until nowadays.

One theory is that the “hei tiki” represents “Hine-te-iwaiwa”, a celebrated ancestress associated with fertility and the virtuous qualities of Maori womanhood. In marriage the family of the husband often gave a “hei tiki” to the bride to help her conceive.

In some Maori tribes, the “hei tiki” was buried when their guardian (the wearer) died and would later be retrieved and brought out in times of mourning. It would then be handed to the next generation to be worn. This is how the “mana” (vital force) of the “tiki” continued to increase.