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A fake hei-tiki has nearly snaked its way into a high-profile international auction.
The Maori pendant knockoff was advertised by Bonhams' New York auction rooms, set to fetch up to 57-thousand New Zealand dollars.
Bonhams described the piece as circa 1600 to 1850... when in fact it's a modern piece by master carver Neil Brown, who has since flagged the mistake.
Auckland auctioneer and Cordy's director Andrew Grigg talks to Jesse.
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Hei tiki (Te Papa, OL000572). Photo: