Related to the more common "hei tiki" necklaces carved from stone, this Maori Whakairo Rakau (wood carving) is meant to hang on the wall. These carvings are usually made in New Zealand and feature paua (abalone shell) eyes. Examples can vary in overall size, and the figure is usually displaying their tongue. Some more elaborate versions of this wall art display muscular shoulders with carvings representing tattoos.
A hei tiki is a considered a symbol of good luck and of fertility, sometimes representing an unborn human or the first man.
Physical Characteristics
- Material
- Wood
- Shape
- Other
- Colour
- Brown
- Dimensions
- 4.5"W x 0.5"L x 8"H
- Imagery
- Kane or Man
