Ear Pendant

P2229

From: New Zealand

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Kuru
Object Number P2229
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Maori
Provenience New Zealand
Period Te Huringa I Period
Date Made 1800 - 1900 CE
Section Oceanian
Materials Greenstone
Description

A kuru (ear pendant) made of pounamu (greenstone). Small, elongated oval; the circular perforation at the top is slightly off-center.

The kuru is a Māori pendant or ear ornament, worn by both men and women. The kuru symbolizes wisdom, tranquility, and prestige. The greenstone is often worked over long periods of time to become smooth. They would often be given as gifts and were worn in particular by Māori of high status.

Height 5.8 cm
Width 1.4 cm
Credit Line Purchased from W. O. Oldman; Subscription of Herbert L. Clark in memory of Edward W. Clark, 1911
Other Number 8493 - Dealer's Number

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