Description:

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A hand-carved bone beater of sizable form - known as a hohoa - along with a massive Kolea wood anvil - known as a na kua kuku - used in the practive of beating kapa (or tapa) barkcloth. Both sides of the ovoid beater head have sustained countless blows as have several areas of the lengthy anvil, and both exhibit lustrous patina. The porous bone allows the beater to be structurally stable yet lightweight, perfect for this type of utilitarian work, and the flat surfaces of the anvil beneath provide a uniform area on which the barkcloth fibers can be uniformly arranged. Size (anvil): 66.6" L x 5" W x 6.25" H (169.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 15.9 cm); (beater): 2.25" L x 3" W x 11" H (5.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 27.9 cm); 12.625" H (32.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-private old Kula-Maui, Hawaii, 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.

#184526

  • Condition: Wear to both sides of beater head commensurate with use, with darkening to surfaces and ossification commensurate with age, otherwise in great condition. Anvil with chips, splintering, some inactive insect damage, and several stable fissures, otherwise in great condition. Nice surface smoothness to both anvil and beater.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 27, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% 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