item details
NameHei tiki (pendant in human form)
ProductionUnknown; carver; 1600-1850
Classificationpendants, pectorals
Materialsinanga (stone), kawakawa (stone), pounamu
Materials Summaryinanga and kawakawa; Westland pounamu source
DimensionsOverall: 55mm (width), 105mm (length), 11mm (depth)
Registration NumberME012629
Credit linePurchased 1972
Overview
Tepaea Hinerangi (early 1830s–1911, Ngati Ruanui)
This pendant belonged to Tepaea Hinerangi, also known as Guide Sophia.
Tepaea worked at the Pink and White Terraces – the thermal ‘wonder of the world’ – and became the main tourist guide there.
She survived the dramatic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886, when more than 60 people took refuge in her house. The Terraces, however, were completely destroyed. Tepaea relocated to Whakarewarewa, which became the main thermal resort.
As Guide Sophia, Tepaea became the most famous woman of her time in Rotorua. She mentored a new generation of guides, including Maggie Papakura.