Description:

New Zealand, Maori, ca. 18th century CE. A kaka poria (bird leg ring/pendant) finely carved from pounamu, a beautiful greenstone found in New Zealand, in the form of an abstract avian visage with an openwork eye, ridged sections to resemble plumage, beak, and feet as well as a central opening traditionally used to restrict the legs of young kaka parrots in order to tame them as pets. These birds or mokai (captive pet) were then brought to the forests where they were enticed to cry in order to attract wild birds. When not used to tame birds, these attractive kaka poria were traditionally worn as pendants. An example like this one, carved from pounamu, required immense skill as the stone is quite hard and challenging to carve. Kaka poria were also regarded as treasured family heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation. Size: 2.5" W x 2.75" H (6.4 cm x 7 cm); 3.375" H (8.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Pounamu is a very durable hard stone found in southern New Zealand. It is usually either nephrite, bowenite, or serpentinite; however the Maori identify it by its color and overall appearance. This kaka poria is made from a lovely piece of greenstone, perhaps serpentinite, with sage green hues and black inclusions.

See a similar example in the Museum of New Zealand collection (accession number ME001622).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private De Roche collection, California, USA, 2011

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#154507

  • Condition: Nicks to pointed edges. Scattered surface deposits. Possible fissure to left of central opening though may simply be a root mark or an inclusion. Old collection label on verso.

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May 7, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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