Polynesia, New Zealand, Māori, 20th century. A hei-tiki pendant carved in nephrite (pounamu, greenstone), showing a seated human figure with a large tilted head, broad eyes and hands resting on the thighs.

The hei-tiki is believed to possess magical powers that increase as it is passed on from generation to generation. According to one tradition it protects its wearer against the vengeful spirits of stillborn infants; another holds that the figure represents Tiki, the first man in Polynesian myth. Hei-tiki are treasured family heirlooms (taonga).