Maori Symbols Explained | Tiki

In some cases supernatural meanings were attributed incorrectly to Maori art works while there were no definite records.

Best (16, vol. 1, p. 294) states that "the mythical Tiki created by Tane was in reality tile personification of the phallus and that the tiki ornament is a fructifying symbol which "bears the sacerdotal name of the linga and its personified form"....

"...However,.... It is evident the hei tiki as a personified form of the phallus is a local myth composed by a particular school after the invention of the hei tiki. It is also curious that an alleged male symbol should be sexed as female.

Another rationalization is that the hei tiki "was made, wholly or partially, in the form of the human embryo". Skinner (74, vol. 41, p. 206) disproved this statement by showing that the tiki did not conform to the anatomical details of the human embryo, except for the large head, which, however, is characteristic of Maori art.

Source: Chapter 12 Personal decorations and Ornaments of 'The Coming of the Maori' nzetc.org

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