Hei Tiki Signification
The hei tiki is commonly regarded as a symbol of good luck and of fertility representing the unborn human embryo.
Hei tiki signification. The meaning of the name hei tiki can be explained by breaking it down into its separate parts. Usually carved of green nephrite or a jadelike stone called pounamu that is found along the western coast of the south island hei tikis normally are worn only by women. Tikis are properly the much larger human figures carved in wood guarding the entrance to a maori pa and also the smaller wooden carvings used to mark a tapu place. The māori believe the wearer of a tiki talisman to be clear thinking perceptive loyal and knowledgeable.
The hei tiki h eɪ ˈ t ɪ k i is an ornamental pendant of the māori of new zealand hei tiki are usually made of pounamu and are considered a taonga treasure by māori. They are commonly called tiki by new zealanders a term that actually refers to large human figures carved in wood and to the small wooden carvings used to mark sacred places. He is believed to h. Fertility fortune creation the tiki is a very ancient symbol and is by far the least understood.
The hei tiki is a stylized human figure with head tilted to one side hands on hips and feet tucked under the body however early european visitors saw men wearing the hei tiki and it is probable that the squat shape of the figure was influenced by the hardness of the material and that it was later likened to an embryo and endowed. Other theories state that tiki represents the human embryo. It is often incorrectly referred to as tiki. Small carvings of the hei tiki symbol that of a humanoid figure with large eyes and a tilted head were often worn as pendants.
The maori name for the south island te wai pounamu refers to this stone there are traditional accounts for the creation of the stone which relate it to the children of tangaroa. The word tiki is found in many countries throughout polynesia and it generally refers to a carving of a man. In maori mythology the first man is known as tiki. However stories vary and some versions say that tiki was created by tumatauenga the war god.
The hei delineate that part of the upper body upon which hei tiki and other neck adornments naturally rest. Hei tiki is thought to be a representation of the first man. Hei tiki small neck pendant in the form of a human fetus used by the maori of new zealand as a fertility symbol. The most valuable hei tiki were made of out greenstone jade.
The word hei denotes something worn around the neck. Description of hei tiki. The object is believed to possess magical powers that increase as it is passed on from generation to generation. There are a number of legends in relation to its meaning.
It is called pounamu in maori greenstone in new zealand english. The heitiki is a small carved ornament usually of greenstone worn suspended from the neck. In maori mythology tiki refers to the first man who came from the stars and was created by tane. Some say the tiki came from the stars and that he was the first man of the world.
Hel and hel are names for the collarbones. The word hei in māori can mean to.