Description:

Polynesia, Tahiti, Society Islands, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A massive ceremonial fish hook carved from a beautiful pearlescent shell with shades of grey and silver. The sinuous form and fantastic asymmetry highlight the skill of the carver, while the surface shimmers with rainbow colors as you twist it around in the light. Ceremonial fish hooks like this one are known throughout Polynesia, with the most famous being the Maori hei matau and the mangai maea of Rapa Nui. Researchers believe that these large fish hooks, made to be owned and worn or displayed by powerful chiefs, symbolized "fishing" for human sacrifices at temples dedicated to war gods. Size: 1.95" W x 3" H (5 cm x 7.6 cm); 4.35" H (11 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex John Gilhof collection, London, England, 2008

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#153881

  • Condition: Small scratches commensurate with age, but overall in excellent condition. Also a small area of adhesive on back.

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December 10, 2020 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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