18th Century Female Hei Tiki Carved in Inanga Stone

A large 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved in pale opaque inanga variety stone refashioned from an adze. Facial features display widely recessed triple ringed eyes, a raised nasal bridge, and heart shaped mouth with a long tongue and teeth. The body is symmetrical and muscular with faint three fingered hands and three toes curving together under the rounded belly. Sex is indicated as female. Two countersunk holes, one concealed at the back of the head. Provenance: Private Collection of the A.J Aarsen family for four generations later sold at Dunbar Sloane in 1996, height 11 cm.