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Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
14-Mar-2020
Lot No.
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Description:
A Vanuatu pig killing club, carved from hardwood, of shouldered hammer form with serrated protuberances at the intersection between the shaft and the striker, representing the pig's jaw. Tapering shaft terminating into a pommel with round butt. Intense dark patina. In Vanuatu, pigs were a symbol of wealth and prestige. They were raised and taken care of for many years, with the most valuable developing the longest tusks. To achieve these long spiral tusks, the upper teeth were removed and they would be fed only with liquid or pureed food. Once the teeth grew to the desired size - after many years of investment, the pig was killed and the teeth were used as currency or pieces of jewellery exhibiting prestige, length 45 cm, width 17.5 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Tribal: S/E Asia, Oceania & Pacific