Hei-Tiki
/ˈhɛi ˈtiki/noun
A Māori carved pendant depicting a stylized human figure, traditionally worn around the neck.
Did you know?Hei-tiki were traditionally treasured heirlooms and could be passed down through generations, with their mana—spiritual authority—growing through association with important ancestors.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian period
Proto-Polynesian
*tiki
“An image, figure, or carved human representation; the exact reconstruction and meanings vary across Polynesian languages.”
Early Polynesian
Polynesian
*hei
“A neck ornament or object worn around the neck; the form is related to Polynesian words for necklaces and garlands.”
Pre-European Māori
Māori
hei-tiki
“A neck ornament in the form of a carved human figure, generally made from greenstone or other valued material.”
18th–19th Century
Māori
hei-tiki
“A prestigious ancestral pendant associated with identity, inheritance, and mana.”
19th Century–present
English
hei-tiki
“An English loanword for the traditional Māori carved pendant, also sometimes used broadly for Māori-style tiki jewelry.”