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Fijian engraved presentation sperm whale tooth (tabua). with a…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
15-Sep-2019
Lot No.
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Description:
Fijian engraved presentation sperm whale tooth (tabua). with a plaited fibre sennit neck band, highly significant object in traditional Fijian society, said to be the greatest of all Fijian valuables, 19th century. Lot 313 McKenzies Auctioneers 6/12/2011. Length 21 cm (tooth) & 45 cm (chain). Provenance: The grandaughter of Thomas Douglas who, with his brother owned a copra plantation on the island of Taveuni. the Douglas family played a large poneering role in establishing the Fijian copra plantations as Rosaline notes in 'On Copra Ships and Coral Islands,' Robert Hale, London 1966, after her visit to Reg and Phyllis Douglas's homestead, (pp 72-5). the Douglas family oral tradition is that the whale tooth and spherical club (lot 314), came from Cakobau, the self styled 'King of Fiji. Collection Dr John Raven, Perth.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Jewellery: Necklace/Chain