Rare 18th Century Kahurangi Stone Hei Tiki - Female Figure
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A superb large 18th century hei tiki, a Suberb example of an early type II hei tiki carved in the highly prized flawless kahurangi stone. The head displays intact ear and chin projections, small recessed eyes with surmounting crescent shaped eyebrow markings and lightly detailed nasal bridge and mouth. Details of the three-fingered hands are worn but clearly visible. Also noticeable are the small holes to mark three toed feet. Sex is identified as female. The back is flat and even with a countersunk suspension hole stone-drilled through the back of the head. Beautiful flawless patina. Provenance: purchased from Sotheby's London in 1981, height 12 cm.
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- Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.
As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.
Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- Maori artefacts