Pendant Item Number: C1178 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A stylized, greenstone, human figure pendant (hei tiki). The figure's head is tilting to its right. The circular eyes are outlined with red inlay. Both arms are at its waist; legs are crossed. A black cord is tied through a hole at the middle of the forehead.
History Of Use
Worn suspended from the neck. Known in Maori as hei tiki, (hei means something suspended from the neck, and tiki means any human figure). Tiki are worn by women and men, and are treasured as personal ornaments and heirlooms. The majority are, like this one, made from nephrite (pounamu), a form of jade found on the South Island.
Item History
- Made in New Zealand before 1920
- Collected between 1910 and 1920
- Owned by James Fyfe-Smith and Mary G. Fyfe-Smith
- Owned by Florence Fyfe-Smith before 1957
- Received from Florence Fyfe-Smith (Donor) during 1957
What
Who
- Culture
- Maori
- Previous Owner
- James Fyfe-Smith, Mary G. Fyfe-Smith and Florence Fyfe-Smith
- Received from
- Florence Fyfe-Smith (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Zealand
When
- Creation Date
- before 1920
- Collection Date
- between 1910 and 1920
- Ownership Date
- before 1957
- Acquisition Date
- during 1957
Other
- Condition
- good