Description:

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th century CE. A superb nephrite jade Hei Tiki pendant depicting the iconic stylized, genderless figure. The head tilts to the right, with finely carved grooves around raised pupils inlaid with shimmering paua shell (abalone), lending captivating iridescence. The rounded body assumes a crouched posture, with feet joined together and arms resting along the legs. The nephrite jade displays a rich spinach-green hue, highly prized for its natural beauty. When backlit, the stone glows softly, enhancing its visual appeal. The pendant appears to be stone-carved, a technique often associated with older examples predating modern carving methods. Hei Tiki hold profound cultural significance, often symbolizing ancestors, fertility, or protection. The figure's tilted head conveys an inquisitive, ever-watchful presence. A drilled suspension hole through the head indicates it was worn as a pendant. Size: 2.5" W x 3.5" H (6.4 cm x 8.9 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The Maori prized durable hard green-colored stones, naming this sought-after material "pounamu;" pounamu was categorized further with additional names to specify hardness and overall appearance. Indeed, pounamu stones vary in chemical composition, and they are commonly recognized as nephrite, bowenite, or serpentinite; this example is nephrite - today one of the more valuable of the three types. Such a prized pendant was a marker of Maori wealth and status, and due to their mobile lifestyle, most pounamu stones were pierced to wear as kurus (pendants or earrings).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#191081

    Condition:
  • Minor nicks and abrasions to surface. Tiny cracks to the paua shell inlay and mineral encrustations to this area. Intact and excellent.

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Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000