In the rich culture of the Maori people of New Zealand, a Tohunga is recognized as an expert practitioner of any skill or art, whether religious or secular. Tohunga encompass a wide range of expertise, including priests, healers, navigators, carvers, builders, teachers, and advisors.
The Takarangi symbol in Maori necklaces and carvings is a profound representation of Maori cosmology, spirituality, and artistry. It encapsulates the balance between light and dark, the physical and spiritual worlds, and the continuous cycle of life and decay.
The name 'tiki' is believed to originate from the myth of Tiki, the first man created by the god Tane. The full name for these carvings is Hei-tiki, where 'hei' means to wear around the neck.
These tattoos were often used to symbolize status in the tribe, an expression of power and prestige, being a part of a historic lineage, or sometimes simply an expression of the individual’s individuality.
