I've just finished my first tiki! A hei (meaning it is worn) tiki is a traditional Maori adornment which represents the first person, so it has some features similar to a baby - especially the big head. This may also be because the head to Maori is tapu, or sacred. No one knows really; people can only surmise what it might mean, but tikis are as meaningful to New Zealanders as the kiwi are. Many nowdays are made from plastic, but I wanted my one to be the real thing. Also, because many people carve greenstone (New Zealand green jade), I want any of my carvings to be different. Firstly I found my favourite really deep green kawakawa jade. Then I got a nice thick slab cut. I wanted it to be really 3D! I wanted to give him a big Budda belly, have his tongue poking right out, as the Maori do in their haka, and give him a spine! (my other job includes a lot of massaging, especially peoples' spines; most tikis have a flat back). Mostly I wanted him to be pretty. Watdya reckon?
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