Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th century CE. This is a beautiful miniature carving of a protective gable figure tiki known as a Tekoteko, inlaid with abalone shells as the eyes. In Polynesian culture including that of the native New Zealanders, the Maori, the word "tiki" means carved human figure, possibly originating from the myth of Tiki, the first man. This maskette is relief carved into an ovoid piece of wood with a flattened verso. The open mouth has a concave tongue protruding from the center under flared nostrils, and the circular eyes are inlaid with shimmering nacre discs. This talisman likely served the same protective function as the Tekoteko architectural carvings, but as a portable amulet. Tekoteko are tiki figures or faces carved to represent tribal ancestors that watch over the tribe and these carvings are often placed at the gable or entrance of Maori buildings as protection. Size: 2" L x 1.125" W (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#168535

Minor surface abrasions and nicks to wood. Chip to abalone shell eyes, otherwise intact and very good with a dark patina on wood.