Oceania, "Aotearoa" New Zealand, Maori Tribe circa 1880-1950s. Green semi-translucent hardstone or Pounamu, Hei Tiki pendant carved in stone Taonga of a figure featuring oval head and pierced openings inside of arms and legs. 3 1/4" H

As cultural objects the hei tiki are worn around the neck and considered treasured family heirlooms to be passed down from one generation to the next connecting the memory and spirit of important ancestors. The use is thought to have first come about from an old legend telling of the explorer Ngahue who had fled his wife and was chased by a ferocious fish of legend named Poutini until making landfall in Aotearoa or Modern day New Zealand. After making landfall Poutini fell into a deep pool and was transformed into a greenstone canoe which Ngahue took a piece of and fashioned into the first "hei tiki".

United States East Coast curio collector

Sits off balance and wobbles on table from use and age