Artifact Number:
01540
Object:
PENDANT
hei tiki
Material:
Greenstone (nephrite or bowenite)
Dimensions:
17 x 8.5 x 2 cm
Origin:
Aotearoa, New Zealand, Polynesia
Comments:
A pendant carved from pounamu, a New Zealeand greenstone (nephrite or bowenite), in an anthropomorphic form with a large tilted head, large eyes, open mouth, hands resting on thighs. Carved with great attention to detail called Whakarewa. Possible tattoo marks on the nose. On the reverse, no details, just body outline and a drilled hole for hanging around the neck. Once, the eyes were inlaid with paua (abalone) shell; today red sealing wax is the substitute that is prevalent with European trade. Most recognizable symbol from the Maori culture.
Belonged to the ancestor of Rangihewea, a chief of the Tohurangi section of the great Arawa Tribe. It is frequently mentioned in their songs and traditions. In the 1830s it was in the possession of Ngati Raukawa at Otaki, from whom it went to Mokua, thence to Ngati Ahua in Waikato, thence to Rotuma as a dowry for the wife of Tiapo to Waiatua, the great tohunga of the Ngati Whakua Tribe, from a descendant of whom it was obtained for this collection.
Collection Name: Eric Craig Collection
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