heitiki

Hei tiki, sometimes spelled hei-tiki, is a carved pendant in Māori art and one of New Zealand’s most recognizable taonga (treasures). The term refers to a stylized human figure, typically carved from pounamu (greenstone/nephrite) or bone, though early examples could be made from other materials. A classic hei tiki features a disproportionately large head, a simplified torso, folded arms across the chest, and often a smooth, legless lower body. The body is generally rounded and compact, with facial features that are simplified or abstract.

Historically, hei tiki are believed to embody ancestral presence and mana. They were worn as personal taonga, most commonly by women, and were thought to protect the wearer while also linking them to lineage and identity. In some contexts, they functioned in ceremonial or social exchanges, including dowries and alliances between iwi (tribes). The transfer of a hei tiki between people or generations reinforces kinship ties and mana.

Materials, carving styles, and regional preferences vary across iwi. In many regions, pounamu sites produced the most highly valued pendants, prized for durability and spiritual significance. Contemporary hei tiki continue to be carved by Māori artists, reflecting traditional forms while exploring modern design.

In modern times, many hei tiki are held in museums and private collections overseas, prompting repatriation discussions and partnerships with originating communities. The pendant remains a potent symbol of Māori heritage, artistry, and the enduring connection between people and their ancestors.