Māori Hei-Tiki: Nephrite Pounamu Greenstone Pendant
A carved Māori hei-tiki pendant in nephrite pounamu (New Zealand greenstone), with shell inlaid eyes, 19th century — the most sacred object of Māori culture, accumulating the mana (spiritual power) of all who wore it across generations.
The Ancestor in StoneThe hei-tiki — a neck pendant carved in pounamu (nephrite jade/greenstone) depicting a stylised human form — is the most culturally significant object in Māori material culture. Pounamu comes exclusively from the South Island of New Zealand (known as Te Wāhi Pounamu, "the place ...
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LOCATION — 🇳🇿 New Zealand
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