The Meaning of the Hei Tiki
Some believe Tiki was the first man in Māori legend, created by the Atua Tāne (God of the forest). Others consider Tiki to be the Atua himself and the forefather of humankind. Whether man or God, there is consensus in Māori culture that humankind descends from Tiki lineage. When you break the word down into its separate parts, “Hei” donates something worn around the neck and “Tiki” is a word used by Māori for human images carved into wood, bone, stone, or other material. A Hei Tiki is therefore an image carved in human form that is worn around the neck.
Traditionally, Hei Tiki are passed from parent to child or used for protection and good luck. Over time, as each generation has adorned the Hei Tiki, and as korero (stories) are told, the meaning and the prestige of the form has grown.