The Sir Cyril Newall New Zealand Collection

Believed to be 18th-century Hei Tiki, masterfully carved from pale pounamu (greenstone), believed to be either Kawakawa or Inanga.

With deeply recessed triple-ringed eyes, a detailed nasal bridge, a heart-shaped mouth, and a muscular body with rib markings and pointed elbows. A raised suspension hole at the top suggests traditional wear and use. Presented in typical New Zealand specimen wooden box of the period inlaid with various native woods, the Hei Tiki and box with painted reference numbers. 9.6cm tall by 4.5cm wide. 

Historical Provenance:

Presented to Lady Newall, wife of Governor-General Sir Cyril Newall, by the Ngati-Poneke Māori Association on March 19, 1944, at a farewell ceremony in Wellington, attended by New Zealand’s Prime Minister and key government ministers.

Condition: 

Wear commensurate with age.