Featured Antique/Vintage Carved Jade Weird Figure

I'm not sure what this little figure is,appears to be a frog with big eyes.Not sure,this came with a lot of jewelry I bought.It's dark jade carved into this little weird figure.Any idea what this is.

 

Hei-tiki

 

Thanks so much! going to google it now!

 

reasonably recently made..

 

Found one! has the same wax red for eyes,translucent,appears to be a pendant.I found one like mine. Information from google: "The shape and elements of the two hei-tikis acquired by Wilkes were characteristic of others produced in the early nineteenth century They had a human-like face about one-third the size of the entire figure, arms and legs curved out to the sides with incised spaces, an exaggerated mouth and a fierce look (familiar to those who follow rugby because protruding tongues are part of the Haka ritual presented at the start of each game involving the New Zealand All Blacks and other Polynesian teams.Those acquired by Wilkes had red sealing wax for one or both eyes indicating that there was already considerable exchange between the Pakeha (non-Maori) who lived on or visited the island and the Maori who had shaped and worn these pendants.Translucent.

 

red eyes are one thing........not everything

 

Yeah, I've had a few before, and they always sell well

Check this chit out, I've had a huge one before

 

Beautiful!!!!

 

Ok thanks

 

The basic style of the carving makes me think pre-1970, before the 'Maori art revival'. In those days the old carvers had passed away, and there were no colleges to teach the traditional Maori crafts. After the introduction of the Maori schools and colleges, quality improved. It is of a high standard now.

Agree, red eyes only means it was made after the introduction of sealing wax. Which could also mean yesterday. Some people just paint them on.

Red eyes are not a given though.
Below is one of mine, 8.2 cm/ 3.2” high, late 19th to early 20th century, so after the introduction of sealing wax but no red eyes:

 

Thanks for information!

 

Hi, you have a wonderful hei-tikis . I just sold one on eBay:
New Zealand Maori hand Carved Nephrite Jade Hei-Tiki pendant on hand Platted Cord with a loop and a Jade toggle. New Zealand Pounamu (nephrite jade). Highly Carved with lots of detail, by skilled artisan who specialize in working with jade.'Hei-tiki' pendant were worn by Maori Chiefs and warriors. Tiki shape which was respected as the teacher of all things and wearer of this symbol is therefore seen to possess clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character.
Sylvia

 

Thanks sooo much! is it ok for me to use information

 

Sure! Enjoy. Sylvia

 

Great! Thanks you!!!