Description:

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. Utterly mesmerizing, an expertly carved wooden staff finial of an anthropomorphic form, the figure with arms bent at the elbows and hands beneath a rectangular element across the abdominal region - his oversized head presenting iridescent abalone (paua) shell eye inlays and wonderful incised decorative markings indicative of tattoos or face paint adorning the face. The figure's large head and relatively petite body are delineated in an abstract manner with a remarkable degree of detail - nearly every square inch is extensively decorated with incised linear, ridged, and curvilinear passages all arranged in a symmetrical manner to create a balanced composition. The level of artistry and technique displayed on this piece is beyond impressive! Size: 6.375" H (16.2 cm); 7.375" H (18.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection; ex-Casey Conway collection; ex-Kevin Conru collection

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#150090

  • Condition: A few old chips to peripheries, but otherwise the figure is in very good condition. Abalone inlays are intact and present marvelous iridescence as well. Perforated on underside to fit custom stand.

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December 3, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000