Pendant (Hei-tiki)

• Artist: Maori (Culture)
• Medium: Nephrite, halitosis shell
• Geographical Location: North Island, Hawke Bay, New Zealand
• Dates: 18th or early 19th century
• Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 2 x 1/2 in (11.4 x 5.1x 1.3 cm)
• Collection: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: BMA, 5H7, TOP
• Accession Number: 03.211
• Image: "Overall", 03.211.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 0,

Catalogue Description:
Green nephrite ancestral pendant known as Hei-tiki. Anything in the shape of a man is a "tiki". Nephrite is a white to dark green variety of jade. In this piece, the Hei-tiki head is tilted to the right. Grooves indicate ribs. Pendant has a prominent breastplate, triangular mouth, and crest on its forehead. From catalogue card: Green jade pendant (hei tiki), the most characteristic of Maori personal ornaments. These pendants are kept in the family for many generations and are worn in remembrance of ancestors; in grotesque animal form. Head tilted right. Grooves indicate ribs. Condition: good. Source unknown.