Anthropomorphic amulet pendant "hei-tiki" ·  New Zealand, Maori · ID: 3038978

Description

propably bowenite (“tangiwai”), a type of serpentine, of highly abstract human shape, eyes accentuated by red sealing-wax, eyelet, min. dam., fine cracks, minor missing parts;
the original making of this charms can be ascribed to the protective deity “hina”, responsible for giving birth and female handcraft. The fertility amulets represent supernatural beings and were family heirlooms. Each had its own name. Whenever they passed into another generation, they gained additional power “mana”. The pendants were worn by both men and women, suspended from the neck with a cord of flax which passed through a hole on top of the head.

Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. II, Köln 1995, p. 552, ill. 631