Select an art or design example from the first chapter of Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History, “Ancient Origins” (2014). Upload an image of this example to your blog and write 150-200 words explaining why this example is important. Use Athol Anderson’s text to support your claims.
Hei Tiki is neck pendants in the shape of human beings, which were supposedly made to celebrate the advent of mankind (40). These hei tikis were connected to Hine-te-iwaiwa, the wife of Tiki and sister of Maui. Being connected to childbirth, hei tikis were typically given to pregnant women as protection but were worn by men and women.
I have chosen these two examples of hei tiki because I think they show hei tiki in a new context. Figure 1 is showing how hei tiki is being used to shine light on the history of the nineteenth century. Whereas figure 2 is showing what the hei tiki is and is using this taonga to show her heritage and Māori culture to the wider world, creating more awareness.
Harris, Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney and Aroha. “Ancient Origins.” Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History. New Zealand: Bridget Williams, 2012. 16-41. Print.