Fake hei-tiki nearly fooled overseas auction house

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.