Dougal Austin (Kati Mamoe, Kai Tahu, Waitaha) is Senior Curator Matauranga Maori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He has a particular research interest in the origins, development, cultural use and significance of hei tiki. His current work has included a tour of the Kura Pounamu exhibition in China.

• He kupu whakatakiIntroduction 901/ Nga whakamaramatangaUse and meaning 1502/ Nga momo me nga ahuaTypes and shapes 2703/ Te putakenga maiPhysical origins 4904/ Nga korero kairangiExalted histories 9305/ Nga tohu a-iwiTribal styles 11706/ Nga tai whakaaweExternal versus local influence 13907/ Ka whiti ka pumau, 1750-1900Change and continuity, 1750-1900 15308/ Te whanako toi taketake, nga tau 1890-inaianeiCultural appropriation, 1890s-present 18509/ Te hei tiki me te Maori, 1900-inaianeiMaori and hei tiki, 1900-present 199He kupu whakakapiEpilogue 258Appendices, Notes, Glossary, Select bibliography,Image credits, Acknowledgements, Index 263

Selected as one of the Best Books of the Year by a panel of NZ Listener reviewers: 'A welcome, some would say long-overdue, insight into the history, mystery, meaning and manufacture of the varied forms and features of our most ubiquitous Maori motif by Te Papa curator Dougal Austin, supported by a stunning gallery of photographed hei tiki.'; 'This well-researched and well-written book discussed their value and status as taonga; their use and meaning; their various types and shapes; and their rich history ... adds a brilliant series of photographs showing the making of a hei tiki by hand ...' - Art News; 'Lavishly illustrated, with many of the hei tiki pictured in larger-than-life-size, full-page glory, the book has some claim to being described as a taonga in its own right.' - North & South.