Description:

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th century CE. This is a beautiful miniature carving of a protective gable figure tiki known as a Tekoteko, inlaid with abalone shells as the eyes. In Polynesian culture including that of the native New Zealanders, the Maori, the word "tiki" means carved human figure, possibly originating from the myth of Tiki, the first man. This maskette is relief carved into an ovoid piece of wood with a flattened verso. The open mouth has a concave tongue protruding from the center under flared nostrils, and the circular eyes are inlaid with shimmering nacre discs. This talisman likely served the same protective function as the Tekoteko architectural carvings, but as a portable amulet. Tekoteko are tiki figures or faces carved to represent tribal ancestors that watch over the tribe and these carvings are often placed at the gable or entrance of Maori buildings as protection. Size: 2" L x 1.125" W (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168535

  • Condition: Minor surface abrasions and nicks to wood. Chip to abalone shell eyes, otherwise intact and very good with a dark patina on wood.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 13, 2022 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$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