Tiki Pendant Necklaces

Many legends belonging to the cultural heritage of the Maori explain the meaning of symbols like the matau and koru. This however does not count for the tiki symbol. The tiki is one of the most mysterious symbols in Maori (and Polynesian) culture. No one is absolutely sure about its exact meaning.

Some say the tiki resmbles the human fetus. Most experts agree the tiki resembles fertility. The legend of tiki also refers to this. Tiki, being the first man on the earth, originating from the stars created his wife from his own reflection. Variations of the legend are about Tiki being the Polynesian god , the creator of life.

Click this link to read more about the symbolics, the legend and tiki pendants.

Popular Maori Symbol Meanings

What do the Maori words Koru, Tiki, Manaia, Taniwha and Matau have in common? If you place the word Hei, meaning 'to wear around the neck', before them you are talking about Maori pendant designs.

Click the picture for more jade Maori pendants.

For example Hei Matau. Matau means hook or fish hook so hei matau are the renowned fish hook pendants. Same way for hei koru which is a unfurling fern pendant. The beauty of this is not only that there are many different designs but they all refer to nature and mythological stories. A few Maori symbol meanings:

Koru symbolizes new life, fertility, growth, strength and peace. This symbol is also used in other (bigger) carvings and tattoos. The circular shape of the Koru resembles perpetual movement while the inner spiral is a metaphor for a return to the point of origin.

In Maori (Polynesian) mythology, Tiki was the first man. Some of the many legends suggest a woman named Marikoriko was the first person. There are also legends stating the tiki design resembles the shape of a god. On the other hand 'tiki' is the Maori word for large wooden carved statues in roughly human shape you can still find in New Zealand .

Manaia is a mythological figure part bird part fish. It is a guardian watching over the wearer of the pendant. Manaia is traditionally linked to the ocean.

Taniwha are supernatural creatures, sometimes described as sea monsters, dragons or serpents. Stories go they attacked people and robbed women but when respected they acted as guardians of a tribe (iwi) They lived in seas, lakes or other waters and were able to change shapes.

More Maori designs, (especially the fish hook) meanings and analysis of the mythological creatures like the Manaia here.

Hei Matau - Maori Fish Hooks

Symbolics of Hei Matau Explained

Hei Matau are Maori fish hooks initially carved from whale bone. Since the dawn of history the Maori peoples carved these fish hooks to use them for fishing. But they were also created as pieces of jewelry. Many of these artefacts have been passed on generation by generation. These family heirlooms were commonly worn as pendants on necklaces.

Fishermen, being food gatherers, were held in high regard in the Maori society. This respect was also based on the skills they possessed to create fishing gear of whale and other bone, shell and wood. That's why hei matau symbolizes power and authority. Some special designs are still worn by Maori warriors when performing ceremonial dances. Apart from that its also a sign of respect for and dependence of the sea and its creatures.

Nowadays only its symbolic purpose remains. Hei matau symbolizes prosperity. In ancient Maori times fish was that abundantly available that simply owning (and using) a fish hook meant prosperity. Today it also symbolizes abundance, fertility and strength. They are given to beloved ones as good luck charms, particularly for those traveling over water.

The wearer is a source of friendship, love, companionship and help in times of need. So by giving a hei matau to someone as a present you make a firm and positive statement about how you think about that person.

Check out the following page for really stunning, hand carved by Maori master carvers, hei matau.

Buddhist & Tibetan Jewelry

Normally I write about Maori jewelry, and then especially bone carved pendants only, but I'll make an exception this time. This exception is the first step to my new blog about spiritual necklaces. Today I will introduce the Dharma wheel pendant and the Om Mantra pendant. Both originated from ancient Tibetan culture.

The term Dharma refers to the teachings of Buddha. The so called 'turning of the (Dharmacakra) wheel resembles the path to enlightenment. The eight-spoked wheel is an icon of Buddhism and its shape refers to several meanings of the Buddhist teachings and the religion in general. For example discipline in order to maintain mediation is resembled by the hub of the wheel. The circular shape stands for the perfect character of Buddhist teachings.

Om or Aum, stands for the first sound, the first vibration which is though to start all life. It is not only the definite start but also a respresentation of everything.