This piece is carved from New Zealand Pounamu by Rotorua
artist Tamaora Walker
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Why Choose Pounamu
If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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The Hei Tiki represents the human form and one's ancestors.
The Hei Tiki is a taonga (treasure) in Māori culture.Traditionally passed from parent to child, it links the past, present and future, forming lasting connections with our tūpuna (ancestors) and bringing guardianship and protection.
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Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Tamaora Walker
The artist behind this creationPerhaps it’s a trick of the light that lends translucence to Tamaora’s work. Or maybe this glow is evidence of an ancient Māori belief that pounamu lives and breathes. Tamaora regards pounamu with reverence and respect born of his Māori heritage, with traditional forms and symbolism deeply influencing his designs. Tamaora has ties to Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi.
He has also exhibited overseas and studied the work of international carvers.
Passing down through generations of whanau (family), the mana (prestige) and korero (stories) of the Hei Tiki grow, forming lasting connections with tūpuna (ancestors) and bringing knowledge and protection.
Hei Tiki
Thought to represent the human form, Hei Tiki are a complex form, and one of the most challenging to shape by hand, with New Zealand pounamu typically being used for their creation. The form is deemed to be one of the highest achievements of early pounamu artistry and today's jade carvers take great care in protecting the culturally iconic figure in their work.