A superb ancient nephrite hei tiki pendant once worn - hung around the neck - by men and women alike, and reserved for the exclusive use of high-ranking figures. Their important power (mana) was strengthened with each passing generation. Within the corpus, this hei tiki with its beautiful volumes stands out for the fullness of its body, for the mottling of the nephrite (pounamu) and for its visible age, with its eliminated suspension hole and reliefs softened over time. Subtly combining the art of adornment and the manifestation of power, this hei tiki pendant is an eloquent testimony to the refinement and complexity of Maori culture. Maori, New Zealand, Polynesia Nephrite, traces of wear, slight scratches, very fine patina. H. 8.5 cm Provenance : Michel Koening, Brussels Collection Monsieur V., Brussels, acquired in the 1980s