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Material Culture Live — Webb's

Auction House:Webb'sNumber of lots recorded:171
Sale Title:Material Culture LiveLots with images:171
Auction Location:AucklandPrices available:62
Date:2-Feb-2022
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A Hemba rattle, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from wood. The handle depicts a female figure holding her breasts. Three spherical gourds are affixed to the shaft of the rattle and make rattling noises when shaken. Mounted on a wood base. Height 26.5 cm, width 7.4 cm, depth 7.4 cm
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A Baule slingshot, Ivory Coast, carved from a single piece of wood and highly polished. The slingshot handle depicts a figure who is wearing a shirt, belt, pants, and heeled shoes. Variations in the patina suggest that the slingshot would have been used and held a great deal. Height 23 cm, width 7.2 cm, depth 3 cm
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A Luba figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from a single piece of hardwood. The form depicts a male and female figures back to back. They stand upon a spherical handle over an small finely carved arm. Mounted on a metal stand. Height 34.5 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 7.5 cm
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A Lega Lukwakongo mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lukwakongo are one of the many masks worn by Lega in the Bwami society's initiations.Many Lega masks are not worn on the face, but they are often hung from the body, held in the hand, or displayed on racks. This miniature mask is carved from hardwood and features the common stylistic heart shaped face. There are remnants of kaolin pigment on the face. The mask features a long beard which is made from dried plant fibre. Mounted on a wood and metal stand.…
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A Vuvi mask, Gabon, carved from a single piece of wood in a flat elongated form. The face features a pointed chin, small oval eyes and raised brow and nose. The face has white pigment, and the carved scarification has remnants of blue and yellow pigment. The interior has visible carving marks from where the chisel was used to hand-carve this piece.Mounted on a wood and metal stand. Stand height 32 cm, depth 8.6 cm, mask height 20.5 cm, width 13.5 cm, depth 4.5 cm. Previously of the Zoumana (Bamba) Traore…
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A Lega figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from a single piece of wood, this figure depicts a person seated on a stool with hands on head and knees on elbows. This figure has the stylistic heart shaped face that is commonly featured in Lega artwork. The body and the stool is coloured with a dark brown pigment and the face has remnants of kaolin pigment. Height 26.3 cm, width 8.5 cm, depth 9.5 cm
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A Zigua figure, Tanzania, the figure is carved from wood and wrapped in fabric that as been soaked in resin with magical properties by a local spiritualist. The head is exposed and features large ears and pierced holes for eyes. Mounted on a wood base. Height 26.5 cm, width 9 cm, depth 9 cm
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A Teke figure, Democratic of Congo. This figure is carved from wood that as remnants of the eroded red ochre that would have covered the form. Around the torso of the figure is a red textile that conceals medicinal materials inside. The figure also has chicken feathers in the position of which the arms would be located, mounted on a wooden base. Height 24 cm, width 9 cm, depth 7.5 cm
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A Lobi figure, Burkina Faso. This figure is a bateba figure used by Thila (spirits) to protect omes and territories from harm. The figure is carved from wood and has been coloured with a brown pigment. The form is shapely with a large buttocks and stomach. There is a faint smile on the figures face. Mounted on a wooden stand. Height 28 cm, width 8.5 cm, depth 8.5 cm
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A Sepik River mask, Papua New Guinea. This large and impressive mask is carved from a heavy wood. The face has large cowrie shell eyes and human hair at the top of the head and the chin. The mask has large curled boar tusks at the nose. At the top of the mask is a projecting neck and circular face. Height 76 cm, width 32.5 cm, depth 7 cm
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A Toma Nyangbai mask, Guinea. This mask would have been used in Poro society ceremonies. It depicts Nyangbai the wife of Landai, a powerful deity.Three horns feature at the top of the wooden mask. The heavy set brow has vertical carved notches as decoration. There is remnants of what would have been a plant material pigment that as coloured the mask black. Height 16 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 3.7 cm
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A cult ook, Papua New Guinea. This deeply carved marquise form has four projecting hooks and two circular projections resembling eyes. The hook is coloured with brown, red, and white pigments. Length 77 cm, width 23 cm, depth 14 cm. Previously of the Peter Hallinan collection.
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A Colonial Kongo figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century. This colonial figure is carved from a single piece of wood. It depicts a kneeling man wearing a uniform and holding a gun. Height 21.5 cm, width 6.3 cm, depth 7 cm
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A Kongo mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from wood. This mask depicts a face filled with tension; the eye sockets are deep and concave with slits for eyes, the mouth is open and bares it's teeth. The wood has been stained black with pigment.Mounted on a metal and wood stand. Height 25.5 cm, width 11.2 cm, depth 8 cm. Previously of the Zoumana (Bamba) Traore collection
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A Lega figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from wood. This figure depicts a standing male without arms. Small nail holes feature around the crown of the head which ould have been where fur had been used to depict air. This is carving would have likely been associated with the Bwami society, a semi-secret society that teaches morality and ethics to the community. Mounted on a wood base. Height 22 cm, width 9 cm, depth 9 cm
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A Sepik suspension hook, Papua New Guinea, suspension hooks are used to hang foods and valuables in baskets and bags. The hooks are then suspended from the rafters of buildings. This hook is carved from a lightwood and covered in a dark pigment. The figure depicted has a hornbill at each of the shoulders and is standing upon the bodies of two crocodiles. Cowrie shells are used for the eyes of the figure, and red and white pigment details the face. Length 105 cm, width 25 cm, depth 8 cm
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A Baule ancestor figure, ivory coast, carved from a single piece of hard wood, this figure depicts a male ancestor. The ancestor has an elaborate hair-style with a tri-part form at the top of the head, and a long braid hanging from the neck. The figure has scarification on it's forehead, cheeks, chest, and stomach. The figure has been stained with a black pigment which has deteriorated at the high-touch points from extensive handling. Height 50 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 13 cm
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A Nogwi figure, Waskuk hills, upper Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea. This figure is associated with the yam harvest ceremony of the Kwoma peoples. The figure is carved from a light wood, and covered in a black patina. Length 87.5 cm, width 18 cm, depth 12 cm
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A Kalongo figure, ivory coast, a female figure seated on a stool carved from a hardwood. There is a central crest to the figure's coiffure with side ridges making up the hair. The figure wears multiple adornments around her neck. When viewing this figure from the side there is a rhythm to her form with a protruding chin, breasts, stomach, and knees. Height 69 cm, width 16.5 cm, depth 16.8 cm
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A Malangan figure, New Ireland, Malangan is a cycle of rituals that express many complex rituals and philosophies surrounding the parting of the dead. The top half of the figure is carved from a hardwood and depicts the torso up of a person and the lower section depicts a fish.This Malangan figure tells the story of a person who was killed by a fish. The figure is heavily coloured in a white pigment and detailing in brown and black pigments, fine plant fibres form the hair and shells for eyes.On a wood…
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A Dan mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from wood. The mask features an oval shaped face and slit eyeholes which heavily feature in Dan masks. The mask features aprojecting beak which blends the face between human and bird.The interior shows extensive gouge marks made by the artist. Height 29.5 cm, width 18 cm, depth 10 cm
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A Ofika Mbole hanging man figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, the hanging man figure which is also known as a 'Ofika' is used by the Lilwa, a male initiation group that oversees the education of young boys growing up in Mbole society. The Ofika is used to depict the consequences for individuals who break conduct of LilwaThis figure has been carved from a single piece of hardwood and was highly polished. The figure has his hands resting on his thighs and feet pointing downwards. At the neck is a cord made…
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A Baga mask, Guinea, carved from a single piece of wood. The mask has a plank lower section that as two square eyeholes and a square mouth hole. The upper section of the mask depicts a female torso with a head on a elongated neck and large breasts. Below the breasts is metal decorative detailing that as since become rusted.This mask would have been used during agricultural celebrations and is held over the head of the wearer. Height 180 cm, width 30.5 cm, depth 22 cm
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A Songola mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, Songola people have often borrowed practices of the Bwami society of the Lega people to the west. This mask is carved from a hardwood, the mask depicts a highly expressive face. Geometric features adorn the long and flat form of the mask. Protruding rings with small interior holes depict the eyes. The mouth is open with pointed teeth exposed which gives a menacing feel. The mask has been coloured in blocks of pigment with red on the left side of the face, white…
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A Guro mask, ivory coast, carved from a single piece of hardwood. The mask depicts a anthropomorphic elephant with a human-like face with tusks and a trunk. The mask features intersecting curved lines, a medial ridge, and a projecting mouth, all of which are stylistic features of Guro masks. Mounted a wood and metal stand. Height 32 cm, width 16.5 cm, depth 8 cm. Previously of the Zoumana (Bamba) Traore collection, New York
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A Kuba lidded vessel, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved from wood and decorated with intricate geometrical patterns on the vessel's six sides. Kuba containers are used to store various materials such as pigment for costume, accessories, or personal care items.Height 12.2 cm, width 12 cm, depth 12 cm
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A Yaure mask, ivory coast, carved from hardwood. The mask depicts a anthropomorphic rams head. The face is thin and elongated with a small pursed mouth, slit eye holes, and a pointed long nose. The mask has been heavily layered with black oil and the tips of the ram horns have been coloured white with pigment. Metal nail repairs have been made to the cheeks of the face indicating that was a admired piece and worthyof restoration. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 400 15 cm, depth 12.5 cm. Previously of the…
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A Nyamwezi figure, Tanzania, carved from a single piece of wood, this figure depicts a female with child. Figural sculpture in Nyamwezi culture often depict umans with elongated forms which is evident in this figure with it's elongated legs and neck. Mounted on a wood base. Height 44 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 7 cm
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A Chokwe mask, Angola. This Pwo (face mask) is an idealised representation of a Chokwe woman. The mask is carved from a single piece of wood. It features a tripartite hairstyle, slit eyeholes, a delicate nose, and mouth ith filed teeth exposed.Woven fibre is attached to the mask and worn over the wearers head. Feathers and dried plant fibre is attached to the top of the mask. Height 32 cm, width 19 cm, depth 25 cm
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A Nyamwezi figure, Tanzania, carved from a single piece of wood this figure depicts a pregnant woman. Her eyes are made from shells and her teeth are filed to points. Wearing to the patina show how this figure would have often repetitively held. Height 51 cm, width 10.8 cm, depth 9 cm
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A Chihongo Chokwe mask, Angola. This Pwo (face mask) is carved from a single piece of wood. It depicts Chihongo, a primordial ancestral spirit. The mouth of the face is wide and features sharped teeth. The scarification on the forehead of a cross (chingelyengelye) represents the rising and the setting of the sun. At the crown of the mask is a headdress made from a frame of lashed together sticks and a red fabric over top. Height 16 cm, width 25 cm, depth 26 cm
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A canoe shield, Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, the shield has a central carved mask with flanking wood spathes over a cane frame that is lashed together with rattan and plant fibre cord. The spathes and mask are decorated with hite, black, and red pigments. This shield would have been secured to the prow of a raiding canoe and were used to shield the rowers from enemy arrows and spears. Height 103 cm, width 107 cm, depth 15 cm
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A Chokwe mask, Angola. This Pwo (face mask) is an idealised representation of a Chokwe woman. The mask is carved from a single piece of wood, featuring a tripartite hairstyle, slit eyeholes, and a intricately carved nose and mouth. The scarification on the forehead is of a chingelyengelye cross wich represents the rising and the setting of the sun. At the crown of the mask is a beaded headdress with tresses of plant fibre hair. Mounted on a wooden stand. Mask height 38 cm, width 19 cm, depth 17 cm
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A Coptic icon, Ethiopia, a triptych two door form with carved wood exterior with internal hand-painted scenes. One of the doors is missing. Height 40.3 cm, width 28 cm, depth 2.5 cm
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A pair of Chamba figures, Tanzania, the figures are carved from wood. The bodies are wrapped in fabric that as been coated in a black oil that as hardened. The figures have large ears and protruding lips. Height 24 cm, width 7 cm, depth 5 cm
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A Coptic icon, Ethiopia, a triptych two door form with carved wood exterior with internal hand painted scenes. Height 39 cm, width 28 cm, depth 2.5 cm
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A Hemba mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, a small mask carved from a hardwood. The mask has convex eyelids, a sunken facial plane with a wide and protruding mouth. Mounted on a wood and metal stand. Height 23 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 9.5 cm
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A Punu Mukudj mask, Gabon, 19th-20th century. Carved from a single piece of light wood. A Mukudj mask is a mask that was designed by a member of the Punu in the likeness of a beautiful woman in his community. The coiffure features a central lobe with two flanking tresses with intricated carved detailing lines. The face features scarification on the cheeks and forehead. The face is pigmented white with kaolin and detailing features are in red and brown pigment. Height 30 cm, width 19 cm, depth 16 cm
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A carved African mask, no known locality. This deeply carved mask is made from a hard wood. The mask features large eye and ear holes, a hooked nose, and a small mouth ith teeth exposed. Raised relief on the face is coloured in a black pigment while the face is coloured with a brown patina. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 31 cm, width 14 cm, depth 14 cm. Previously of the Zoumana (Bamba) Traore collection, New York
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A Baule mask, ivory coast, carved from a single piece of hardwood that as been highly polished and coated with a black patina. The mask depicts a female face with a large tri-part coiffure. The mask has thin slits for eyeholes and holes around the masks edges for securing. Scarification features at the lower cheeks of the face and remnants of white pigment can be seen at the eyes. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 43.5 cm, width 20 cm, depth 14 cm
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A Fang mask, Democratic Republic of Congo. This decorative mask is carved from a light wood. The face has sunken facial features with slit eyeholes and puckered lips. White kaolin pigment covers the face and black pigment details the facial features. Between the brows is a decorative nail head. Height 24.5 cm, width 17 cm, depth 6.5 cm
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A Baule mask, ivory coast, carved from a single piece of hardwood. This mask depicts a female face with small delicate features, a pursed mouth, a long thin nose, and small ears. The hair is arranged in to three parts with intricate groove detailing. The mask has remnants of pigment and patina but due to the repetitive handling it as worn away. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 42.5 cm, width 12 cm, depth 12 cm
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A Teke figure, Democratic Republic of Congo/Gabon, the figures body is carved from a hardwood. It's torso is wrapped in a textile that is filled with medicinal materials. The facial features are deeply carved. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 36 cm, width 12 cm, depth 12 cm
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A Bambara mask, Mali. This mask would have been used in initial societies for young men entering adulthood in Bambara society. Carved from a single piece of wood. This mask depicts a smallelongated face with an angular nose. A projecting crest runs from the brow to the back of the head.The holes around the edges of the mask indicated that this mask originally would have been sewn to a costume. Height 27 cm, width 10.1 cm, depth 10 cm
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A Tsogo figure, Gabon, the head and neck of the figure is carved from a hardwood, it's facial features are stylistically simple. Wrapped around the base of the figure's neck is animal hide which ould have been filled with medicinal materials. Two cow bones protrude out from leather hide. Height 21 cm, width 11.5 cm, depth 20.5 cm
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A Fon figure, Benin. This freestanding large fertility figure from Benin is carved from a hardwood. The elongated arms suggests a gathering and nurturing nature to the figure, while the pregnant stomach implies fertile aspects. Hanging from the figure is part of an animal jaw bone. The figure has a serene face with shallow carved features. A heavy build-up of pigment and millet paste covers the form; chicken feathers and pieces of fabric are also found in the paste. Height 57 cm, width 20 cm, depth 17 cm
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A Zande Yande figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, Yande are used to protect their owners from illness and harm, as well as bring luck. This figure is of a male as denoted by two legs and an appendage, whereas the female figures are depicted without legs. The figure has a a semi-circular head with a vertical ridge for a nose and two beads for the eyes. A large navel sits high up the torso. Metal rings are used for ears. Mounted on a wood base. Height 28.5 cm, width 11 cm, depth 9 cm
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A Makonde maternity figure, Mozambique, carved from a single piece of wood. The figure depicts a woman with a curvaceous form, her knees are slightly bent and one hand rests on her left breast. The figure hasfacial scarification which is typical of Makonde figures. Makonde society ismatrilineal society that traces descent through the female line. Height 25.5 cm, width 8 cm, depth 8 cm, a Makonde maternity figure, Mozambique, carved from a single piece of wood. The figure depicts a woman with a curvaceous…
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A Kongo figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, a decorative piece that is carved from a single piece of wood. It features a seated figure above a shaft with raised relief of lizards. Mounted on a wood base. Height 37 cm, width 8 cm, depth 8 cm
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A Chamba figure, Tanzania. This figure is carved from wood and has been wrapped in fabric that as been soaked in resin. The figure has red bead eyes and a girdle of red fabric and white beads. Goat or cow hair features of the top of the head. Height 22.5 cm, width 9 cm, depth 6.5 cm
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A figure, Tanzania, carved from a single piece of wood that as been coloured with a black pigment. The figure is simplistic in form, with no arms or legs. The face only features two pierced eyes and a shallow carved mouth. The figure wears a small necklace made from glass red beads. Mounted on a wood base. Height 29.5 cm, width 9.4 cm, depth 9.4 cm
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A Lobi figure, Burkina Faso. This figure is a bateba figure used by Thila (spirits) to protect omes and territories from harm.The figure has been carved from a light wood that as been coloured with a black/brown pigment. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 21.5 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 7.5 cm
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A Baule helmet mask, ivory coast, carved from a cross-section of a hardwood tree. This helmet mask is a large half sphere shape worn on the head. At the top of the helmet is a monkey head. The mask is heavily coated in black pigment and there is remnants of kaolin pigment. Height 21 cm, width 33 cm, depth 33 cm
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A Baule figure, ivory coast, carved from a single piece of wood. This free standing figure depicts a female. There are remnants of red pigment from the original decoration. Height 25.5 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 9 cm
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A Baule figure, ivory coast, carved from wood and covered in a dense black pigment. The figure has no facial feature and no arms, the legs are slightly bent. Although the figure is simplistic there is tension in the pose and form. Height 7.5 cm, width 4 cm, depth 5 cm
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Ibo Mwo mask Nigeria, carved from wood, this mask depicts a face with thin slit eye holes and a down turned mouth. Spiral facial designs are highlighted in black pigment over a white kaolin face. Mounted on a metal and wood stand. Height 30.1 cm, width 16.5 cm. Previously of the Zoumana (Bamba) Traore collection, New York
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An maternity figure, Africa, no known locality. This carved wooden figure depicts a pregnant woman. The figure has a tripart coiffure. Covered in a dense black pigment. Mounted on a wood stand. Height 12.5 cm, width 5.8 cm
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A mahe stone sinker, Aotearoa, made from a greywacke boulder. An oval form with two a horizontal and a vertical peaked lashing groove encircling the stone. Height 11 cm, width 7.5 cm.
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A mahe stone sinker, Aotearoa, made from a greywacke boulder. This fishing sinker has a single shallow groove encircling the stone, depth 9 cm
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A mahe sinker, Aotearoa. This fishing sinker is made from a greywacke boulder. It features a vertical pecked lashing scarf, depth 6.4 cm
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A patu muka, Aotearoa. This flax pounder is made from a greywacke boulder. There are areas of the natural surface of the boulder and other heavily smoothed surfaces from use. Length 22.5 cm, width 8 cm
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A hammer stone, Aotearoa, made from a greywacke boulder. The stone has bruising across three end surfaces. Length 7.8 cm, width 6 cm, depth .4 cm
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A patu aruhe, Whangarei Region, made from a dense brown wood. This pounder is used for beating rauaruhe fern down to extract the edible flesh from the fibres. This patu has a circular cross section that tapers up to the butt of the handle. Written in white ink on the handle '113 patu aruhe, Whangarei area, 14/12/63' height 31.5 cm, depth 6 cm
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A small toki, Aotearoa, carved from an argillite boulder. This adze has a quadrangular cross section. The cutting edge has dulled with use and there is a small chip to the edge. Highly polished surface. Height 6.6 cm, width 4.5 cm, depth 1.7 cm
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A pounamu toki, Aotearoa. This adze is made from mottled light and dark green nephrite stone. The toki is un-tanged, bevelled and has a quadrangular cross section. The obverse and reverse of the toki is polished. Length 6 cm, width 4 cm, depth 8 cm
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A stone file, Aotearoa, carved from schist. With a quadrangular cross-section. This file is worn with striation marks along one edge. Length 6.5 cm, width 4.2 cm, depth 1.5 cm
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A superb early muka kete with fringe, superb early muka kete in frame. Kete decorated with natural and orange muka over a natural muka body to form an oscillating type design. Substantial fringe of died and natural muka, single pair twining, rolled muka handle and tied hanging decorative elements. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 56.5 x 54.5 cm. Private collection - New Zealand.
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A 19th century Raupo poi, (percussion device). This highly decorated example shows the skill and beauty Maori textiles have become known for the world over. Fine twisted muka handle terminating in the robust dyed pangao (golden sedge) collar draped over the raupo (bulrush) body, this example also boasts the rare geometric body decoration in muka (processed flax) to form a series of diamonds. Circa 1880s-1900. In presentation frame with Uv glass. Framed 67 x 38 cm. Private collection - New Zealand.
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An ornate kiwi feather muka kete, kete made from robust muka adorned with kiwi and other feathers over the body. Handle of twisted muka strands terminating in small poi like adornments attached to the upper boarder. Kete decorated in a contrasting pattern of died and natural muka. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 45 x 46 cm. Private collection - New Zealand.
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A contact period pa kahawai fishing hook, contact period pa kahawai (trawling lure) with long twisted muka rope and binding. Paua shell inlaid into the native timber (appears to be totora) body terminating in a fine slender hook point. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 41 x 27 cm. Private collection - Netherlands
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An exceptional hoheria kete (lacebark bag), with twisted lacebark handles. This kete forms a rare subsection of Maori textiles made from lacebark rather than the more traditional muka. Woven in a geometric design, this rare survivor is made from strips of folded lacebark expertly tied together to form a kete. Circa 1880 - 1900. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 48 x 41 cm. Private collection - New Zealand.
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A pa kahawai fishing hook, pa kahawai (trawling lure) of generous proportions with paua shell inlay and fine muka binding. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 41 cmmm x 27 cm. Private collection - Paris
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A tobacco pipe by Jacob Heberley, superb Jacob Heberley carved two headed pipe linked with fern leaves, carved with 'Kia Ora' to the sides. 19th century. Gold trims are stamped for Christeson, 18ct. Presented on custom stand. Height 9 cm, width 4 cm, length 11 cm
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An Adams 1851 Maori land Wars pistol, rare Maori land Wars era - Adams army model revolver. Dragoon five-shot percussion revolver, circa 1851-1856 - five-shot self cocking percussion revolver; .50 inch calibre; 8 inch octagonal barrel; foliate engraved blued frame; engraved trigger guard and butt cap with hinged cap trap, now lost; one piece chequered grip markings: maker's marks on top of barrel: 'Deane, Adams & Deane, makers to H.R.H. Prince Albert. 30 King William St. London Bridge' stamped on right…
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A 19th century pounamu kaka Paria, rare pounamu kaka paria (parrot leg ring). This fine example still has remnants of the red kaka wai pigments used to adorn the finest and most important Maori adornments. With countersunk suspension hole and fine decorations to the protruding laterals, this kaka paria shows early Maori greenstone work at its finest.Kaka paria were used both as a utilitarian object and one of personal neck adornment when not in use. On custom presentation stand, depth 4.5 cm. Private…
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A split totara Tauihu (canoe prow), Northland style, circa1960s. All over carving and traditional red colouring. On custom presentation stand. Height 37 cm, width 12 cm length 80 cm
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A Maori figural carving, Te Puia school, Rotorua. School stamp to base. Rich, dark patina. Paua inlaid eyes. Height 64 cm, width 15 cm, depth 13 cm
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A pair of carved Maori lintels, pair of highly decorated 19th century door lintels from a small whare or store. On custom presentation stands. Length 106 cm each
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A waka hoe, Aotearoa. This paddle is carved from a dense hardwood. With a lanceolate blade, long slender shaft that terminates in a cylindrical knob. Length 143 cm, width 12.4 cm
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A waka hoe, Aotearoa. This paddle is carved from a dense hardwood with a dark brown patina. With a lanceolate blade with a dip in its form, a long slender shaft that terminates in a rounded knob. Length 172 cm, width 13.5 cm
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A waka hoe, Aotearoa. This paddle is carved from a dense hardwood. With a lanceolate blade, long slender shaft that terminates in a knob. Length 158 cm, width 15.2 cm
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An exquisitely carved patiti, with an iron head and hardwood handle. Height 36 cm, width 13.1 cm, depth 2.5 cm
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A complete set of the three official publications of Cook's voyages in first Editions, comprising: first voyage, Hawkesworth, John, an Account of the voyages Undertaken by the order of his Present Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere, and successively performed by Commodore Byron, Captain Wallis, Captain Carteret and Captain cook, in the dolphin, the swallow and the Endeavour: drawn up from the Journals which ere kept by the several Commanders, and from the papers of Joseph Banks, Esq;…
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A mutu Kak' bird perch snare, Aotearoa, carved from a single piece of wood, this mutu kak' is in the form of a 'T'. The handle of the perch has a large carved wheku (face). The perch is a straight shaft with a smaller wheku carved into the end. Native birds, such as kereru, kaka or tui were greatly valued as a source of food, bones for tools, feathers for ornamentation, or pets. A plaited length of muka flax attached each end of the landing perch ould be jerked to tighten which ould trap the birds leg to…
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A 19th century tewhatewha with hawk bundles, fine tewhatewha in orthodox form with axe shaped blade leading to a flattened cylindrical shaft and spear point. Below the distinctive blade of the tewhatewha hangs an early ball of karearea (New Zealand falcon) feathers lashed with fine strands of muka (processed flax). Feathers were used to distract ones opponent by moving the tewhatewha in a flicking motion, once their eyes diverted the decisive blow was delivered. Tewhatewha were also used as signals during…
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A 19th century taiaha, fine 19th century taiaha with detailed carving to the upoko. The arero of this weapon has been deliberately left undecorated, creating a striking contrast between the detail of the inlaid eyes and simplicity of the tongue. The arero is the stabbing end of the taiaha; an undecorated and robust arero ensured the weapon had maximum strength and efficiency. Presented on custom stand. Length 172 cm. Private collection - Belgium
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A Maori tewhatewha, fine tewhatewha of elegant proportions. Constructed from the root of a hardwood tree, this tewhatewha has the distinctive axe shaped rapa (blade) with a scarce curved top leading to a fine flattened handle and mata (spear-point). The pole has been left deliberately undecorated with a raised grip section and a small pierced hole for feather attachment is evident below the blade. On custom presentation stand. Length 120 cm. Private collection - Amsterdam
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A 19th century chiefly taiaha, chiefly taiaha of significant presence and size with its detailed upoko and intricately decorated arero. Arero has been decorated in traditional haehae and dog-tooth notching, spirals reminiscent of a t' moko adorn the mouth and forehead, rich dark patina with one shell inlay. Presented on custom stand. Height 162 cm. Private collection - Australia.
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A 19th century Pouwhenua, robust early pouwhenua of smaller proportions. The pouwhenua is an elegant and highly effective weapon with a superior robust rau (blade) than the more common taiaha; pouwhenua were a formidable weapon made for war. This superb and early example has a robust aerodynamic rau that tapers to a fine spear point and a blackened swamp patina. On custom presentation stand. Height 113 cm, width 9 cm. Private collection - Aotearoa
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A 19th century carved taiaha, superb 19th century taiaha of smaller proportions. With aggressively extended arero and fine upoko completely decorated with a series of of triple haehae and dog tooth notched spirals, this taiaha is a fine example of contact period weaponry. Rich arm patina with eyes still retaining the original paua inlays, on custom presentation stand. Length 120 cm. Private collection - USA
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A worked pounamu fragment, Aotearoa, made from a mottled light green nephrite. One side of the fragment is machine cut, the other surfaces are polished. Length 9.5 cm, width 7.4 cm, depth 2 cm
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An exceptional Rapaki (kilt/cape), a rare early Maori Rapaki. Rapaki were worn similar to piupiu but offered the wearer significant added protection from the elements. Sometimes referred to as raincapes (which evidence suggest they doubled as), rapaki form their own category of textiles similar to the kilts of the Scottish highlands. Early utilitarian textiles of this nature rarely survive outside of museums as the early Collectors favoured the highly decorated cloaks over the functional everyday clothing.…
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A pounamu chisel, Aotearoa, made from a mottled dark green nephrite stone. Polished body with a broken cutting edge. The chisel has a rounded quadrangular cross-section. Length 10.3 cm, width 1.5 cm, depth 1.5 cm
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A superb Tat' (waka bailer), extremely well balanced example in the minimalistic early form. The base extends and terminates with minimalist manaia or tiki figure, emphasised with fully incised almond-shaped eyes, perforated nostrils and relief mouth. The body of the tat' is highly refined with a subtle rigid climbing through the centre surface, which then extends into the handle. The shoulders of the tat' also offer sophisticated relief lines. The handle morphs into abstract avian form, again with…
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A rare pounamu adornment, very early archaic flattened tear drop form with evidence of two pierced suspension holes and linear notching to edges. This adornment would have signalled the mana and high rank of its creator and the owner. Its fine elongated form is without a doubt the work of a master craftsman. This rare pounamu May have been used in the ceremonial practice and sacred production of the finest muka (flax fibre). The adornment would be appllied to making the most complex and finest of chiefly…
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A 19th century Maori carved fowling gun, a single barrel fowling gun with ornate carving. This early percussion fowling gun has a finely carved buttstock decorated with traditional Maori spiral designs and notching. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 36 x 140 cm. Private collection - Aotearoa
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A kahu kiwi feather cloak, Aotearoa, 19th century. Made from muka fibre with predominatly single pair twining. The lower section has double pair twining. There are major losses to the kiwi feathers. Dyed muka bands in purple detail three of the edges. Length 11 cm, width 9.4 cm
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A pounamu hei tiki in Kahurangi stone, Orthodox form with hands clasped to thighs. Suspension hole with oven lanyard. Height 8 cm, width 4.5 cm
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A woven muka band, Aotearoa, made from natural muka (flax fibre). This band employs cloak a making technique called single pair twinning. The surface decoration is achieved with twisted warps to create large diamond shapes. Each end of the band has two suspension lengths of muka. Fringe of muka along the lower edge. Length 133 cm, width 21.5 cm
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Nguru, nose flute, ngati Raukawa, Aotearoa, the singing voice of Hineraukataui, the Maori goddess of music is said to be heard when the Ngauru is played. Nguru are played by blowing air from the nose directly into the flutes opening. Carved from a single piece of wood. With three modulating holes (wenewene) on the top with paua shell rings surrounding. A small lug on the underside for a suspension cord. Length 14.6 cm, depth 3.4 cm. Preveiously of the Leslie Adkin collection
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