Blue/Green Tangiwai Hei Tiki: 19th Century Maori Carving
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An early 19th century hei tiki carved in superb translucent Blue/Green Tangiwai (bowenite). A type II form with left hand to chest. Facial features and fingers and toes are clearly defined, red sealing wax embellishment applied to the eye rings. Countersunk suspension hole to the top of the head. Height 9 cm.
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- Bowenite - Bowenite is a semi-precious stone, usually light or dark green, but also found in colors ranging from light yellow, canary yellow, brown, blue and gray. One of the largest deposits is in the South Island of New Zealand, where it was used for tools, weapons and jewellery by the Maori, and known as greenstone and tangiwai. Other deposits are in South Africa and China.
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