Genuine Greenstone Māori Tiki Necklace with Red Eyes

This genuine NZ Greenstone Māori Tiki Necklace has red eyes just like ones from the 19th century.  

When Europeans came to New Zealand in the 19th century, one of the items they brought with them was sealing wax. Māori carvers grew to use it as an accent in their carving, particularly around the eyes of a tiki.  It was the perfect contrast to the green of pounamu.  And if they couldn't get their hands on sealing wax, they found a mix of kauri gum and kōkōwai, the red ochre in iron-rich clay, worked just as well, if not better.

This modern day rendition measures approximately 95mm (3 3/4") wide, and hangs from a long black plaited adjustable cord.  

The Māori tiki design carries a spiritual meaning.  Tiki is the first mortal, and is considered a good luck charm, and a taonga (treasure) handed down from generation to generation.  It is also considered to be a fertility symbol.

This beautiful, large, pounamu tiki necklace is shipped worldwide from New Zealand.