Pekapeka (Pounamu pendant)
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All Rights Reserved
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Object detail
Description
A greenstone pendant, slightly rounded though shallow in depth. It is near constant green (olive) with brownish flecks near two natural splits - near bottom. The bridge where the gold ring ( intact ) has carried the chain is very thin/fragile. Greenstone identified by Ray Hooker, archaeologist, as being Bowenite (Tangiwai ) sourced from Milford Sound. This piece has been in the family of donor's wife who was Doris Ngahemo Dick, nee Evans, whose mother was Blanche Yates, daughter of Samuel Yates, early owner of Te Paki Station, far north. The pendant is at least 150 years old - thought to be pre European by Auckland Museum over 40 years prior to date of donation. Auckland Museum believe it to be made by scratching with a stone - no tools. The pekapeka represents arms of a tree, which if an arm is broken still there will be more to grow.
Production place
New Zealand
Measurements
Pendant is 5.25 cm x 3.1cm and
Credit line
Gifted by W. Dick and the Yates Family.
Accession number
0062/93
Current rights