A superb ancient hei tiki nephrite pendant, at once an object of adornment, a sign of authority, a taonga treasure and a symbol of the sacred tapu power conferred by proximity to the heads of their prestigious owners. It is distinguished by the beautiful fullness of the body, blossoming with strength in space, and by the perfect balance of the openings and curvilinear motifs signifying the ribs. The milky-green punamu nephrite, considered supernatural by the Maori and so characteristic of their culture, is also of outstanding quality. See : Oceanic Art: A Celebration of Form, George R. Ellis, 2009, p. 76, cat. no. 52 Maori, New Zealand, Polynesia Nephrite, wax seal remnants, old traces of wear, fine patina. H. 9 cm Provenance : Michel Koening, Brussels Collection Monsieur V., Brussels, acquired in the 1980s