Description:

South Pacific, Solomon Sea (Trobriand Islands), ca. 19th century CE. A wooden adze with a flat metal blade bound to its end with woven reeds. The handle is shaped like the head of a long-necked bird. The Trobriand Islands dangle off the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea, a small archipelago of coral atolls populated by subsistence horticulturalists for whom yams are currency. The people of the Trobriand Islands and other nearby archipelagos have formed a trading network in which items like this adze are highly valued. These large, fine adzes, and specifically their blades, circulate around the archipelagos continually, given as gifts. Size: 10.75" W x 22.25" H (27.3 cm x 56.5 cm); 24.25" H (61.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#142693

  • Condition: Weathering and wear commensurate with age, as well as a rich, dark patina on all of the surfaces. Loss from bottom of handle. Extensive cracks from weathering to the wooden handle.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 24, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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