Whakatipu – Hei Tiki

This Hei Tiki, named Whakatipu, embodies the deep ancestral connections and ongoing growth symbolised by this traditional taonga. The name Whakatipu means ‘to grow, to develop,’ representing the continuous journey of learning, strength, and identity that Hei Tiki are known to carry.

Carved from Raukaraka Pounamu, this piece is a striking golden-orange throughout due to full oxidation. The head remains slightly paler, marking the original core of the stone, a reminder of its natural formation over thousands of years. At 90mm wide, 55mm high, and 12mm thick at the belly, this tiki is based on the traditional groove-style carving method, an ancient technique seen in early Māori taonga.

Hei Tiki are among the most revered forms of Pounamu taonga, holding deep spiritual and ancestral significance. Traditionally, they are linked to whakapapa (genealogy) and passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom. They are believed to carry the mana and wairua of those who wore them before, strengthening the connection between the present and the past.

Some traditions associate Hei Tiki with fertility and protection, while others see them as a representation of wisdom and knowledge. The stylised form, with the head tilted to the side, can symbolise deep thought and awareness. The Raukaraka hues in this piece bring a warmth and life to the carving, reinforcing the idea that Pounamu is more than just a stone—it is a living taonga that carries history, meaning, and the energy of those who wear it.

Whakatipu is a Hei Tiki that honours the old ways while standing strong in the present, carrying the stories of its stone, its carver, and its wearer into the future.