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Hei Tiki, D36.901

Physical Description

Pounamu/ Nephrite hei tiki. Carved on both front and back surfaces
One side has paua shell inset eyes, other side missing. Arms with distinctive elbows rest on thighs, no defined hands or fingers. Legs brought together underneath body with three toes either side. Two perforations drilled on both sides are placed in close proximity near top of forehead. Natural cracks on chest on one side which run up to shoulder .Female genitalia displayed one side only and accentuated by three grooves radiating out across both thighs. Highly polished surface, low transparency.

Research Notes

Catalogue card:

Nephrite. Carved on both front and back surfaces
One side has paua shell inset eyes, other side missing. Arms rest on thighs, Legs brought together. Perforated and threaded with fibre cord, tied with toggle. Two perforations
On display Hei tiki case
Fig 4 a & b Hei tiki

Provenance

Locality:

Measurements

Maximum dimensions (H x W x D): 120 x 53 x 13mm

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