A quintessentially Maori form of adornment, the tiki is seen in varied form throughout Pacific cultures - though only possesses the rounded forms seen in jade examples in New Zealand Maori designs. Its meaning is often argued - to some it represents fertility or a particular divine figure, and to others it's simply an iconic Kiwi image that feels like a piece of home. The design comes most often with pupilled eyes - but this is a variant where the eyes are solid-hued inlays of paua lacking an iris - a form that represents someone who is either blind... or who sees beyond the mundane world into the realm of spirits and gods.
 
Measuring in at 90mm long and 48mm wide, this is a full-sized traditional tiki of simplified design, carved in a pale kokopu or trout jade sourced from the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Its pale speckling is reminiscent of a naturally-freckled skin, and creates a nice contrast to its pale green backgorund hue. A great piece for inclusion in a traditional ensemble, or to remind a person always of where they're from, and the fact that there's always another world just waiting to be seen.