hei tiki
Nephrite jade (pounamu)
Height 3 1/2in (8.9cm)
Provenance
Wayne Heathcote, Brussels/London
Important Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1994
Roger Neich notes, "The other basic form of hei-tiki is much rarer, appearing perhaps about once in every ten examples. Here the figure is also full-frontal but sometimes with asymmetrical twist to the body and even one shoulder should may be slightly raised. One hand is always raised to the chest or occasionally the mouth, with the other on a hip, generally both with three large fingers and a spur thumb clearly outlined. Heads are markedly inclined either way on a narrower neck. This form is usually made from a relatively thin piece of nephrite, with small shallow eyes, low relief body moulding, sharp thin edges and a flat back. Projecting ears and elbows are often present and the suspension hole is frequently large and prominent, passing straight through the front of the head. Inanga or light green nephrite is clearly the preferred stone for this basic form." (Neich, Roger, Pounamu: Maori Jade of New Zealand, David Batemen/Auckland Museum, 1997, p. 27)
Cf. (Ibid.) p. 26 for two similar hei-tikis of this style.
hei tiki
Nephrite jade (pounamu)
Height 3 1/2in (8.9cm)
Provenance
Wayne Heathcote, Brussels/London
Important Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1994
Roger Neich notes, "The other basic form of hei-tiki is much rarer, appearing perhaps about once in every ten examples. Here the figure is also full-frontal but sometimes with asymmetrical twist to the body and even one shoulder should may be slightly raised. One hand is always raised to the chest or occasionally the mouth, with the other on a hip, generally both with three large fingers and a spur thumb clearly outlined. Heads are markedly inclined either way on a narrower neck. This form is usually made from a relatively thin piece of nephrite, with small shallow eyes, low relief body moulding, sharp thin edges and a flat back. Projecting ears and elbows are often present and the suspension hole is frequently large and prominent, passing straight through the front of the head. Inanga or light green nephrite is clearly the preferred stone for this basic form." (Neich, Roger, Pounamu: Maori Jade of New Zealand, David Batemen/Auckland Museum, 1997, p. 27)
Cf. (Ibid.) p. 26 for two similar hei-tikis of this style.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
