Pendant

Item number C1177 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Pendant in the shape of a stylized female figure (hei tiki) with geometric patterns. The figure's head is tilting to her right. The circular eyes are inlaid with abalone (paua). The figure's right arm is at the waist; the left arm is at the face; legs are crossed. Four holes are bored through the figure, two at the arms and two at the legs. An off-white cord threads through the two arm holes; the cord closes with an bone screw clasp.

History Of Use

Worn suspended from the neck. Known in Maori as hei tiki, (hei means something suspended from the neck, and tiki means any human figure). Tiki are worn by women and men, and are treasured as personal ornaments and heirlooms. Commonly made from nephrite (see C1178), however older ones are thought to have been made from bone, ivory or wood.