Gallery Label
This pendant is one of only nineteen small Tongan figural sculptures in existence. Most are made of ivory, some larger examples are wooden, and all have the same general interpretation of the female form. It is likely that they are representations of female ancestors, which were important in the Tongan bloodline. The female figure also could be seen as the originator of the leading hereditary descent line. The figures were worn by high-ranking females and could have been strung together on a necklace. All of the figures share a similar stance and specific stylistic features, including short powerful bodies with bent, flexed legs, pointed breasts, strong trunks, and flat triangular faces and facial features. Some examples found in Fiji have carved areas at the back of the head that may have been used as suspension areas for a necklace, and are more than likely Tongan in origin. The use of rare whale ivory indicates that the figure was a highly treasured object.
