18th Century Kawakawa Hei Tiki with Stone-Drilled Suspension Holes
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An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki with the head tilted to the right carved in kawakawa variety stone. The face displays widely recessed eyes with traces of red sealing wax (added later), the nasal bridge is worn but the nostril markings are visible, and the heart shaped mouth shows a tongue and teeth. The torso displays a rib grooves, and clearly marked the three fingered hands and toes. There are three countersunk stone-drilled suspension holes (one broken out) to the top of the head indicating significant age and use. Provenance: purchased at Sotheby's London in 1982, height 9.5 cm.
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This item has been included into following indexes:
- Maori artefacts