Tiki Whakatipu – A Legacy in Raukaraka Pounamu

This Hei Tiki is a taonga created to honour a milestone—the 50th birthday of a cherished partner. At 11cm long, 7cm wide, and 18mm thick, it carries both presence and mana. The Raukaraka Pounamu used for this piece is striking, with pale greens merging into deep oranges and browns, reflecting the natural beauty of the whenua it comes from.

This is not just a birthday gift; it is a taonga that will be passed down through generations. The request was for a Hei Tiki in a sideways orientation, a style that has always resonated with the recipient. Carved in the traditional groove technique, it resembles the Hei Tiki worn by tūpuna in the old days—deep lines and bold features giving it a strong, ancestral presence.

The Hei Tiki is one of the most significant taonga in te ao Māori, representing whakapapa, connection to tīpuna, and the life force passed through generations. It is a symbol of wisdom, protection, and strength, holding deep personal and spiritual meaning for the wearer.

I have named this taonga “Tiki Whakatipu”—a name that speaks to growth, legacy, and the continuation of knowledge and mana through the generations.