Of all adornments traditionally worn by Māori, the hei tiki was the most esteemed and highly prized, thought to represent the first man in Māori legend and one's ancestors. Māori believe that when pounamu is worn, a person’s mauri - their life force or essence – is transferred to the stone. Meaning, when this piece is passed on to future generations it is thought to still behold the mauri of previous owners, aiding in forming lasting connections with ancestors and bestowing strength and prosperity on the new wearer. This skillfully crafted hei tiki is carved from an exceptional piece of New Zealand pounamu. It was made by Neil Brown to begin the tradition of linking the past, present and future in a treasured piece to be passed down through generations.