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An extremely rare pounamu breastplate adornment, Aotearoa,…
Lot No.
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Description:
An extremely rare pounamu breastplate adornment, Aotearoa, found in a river inlet in Otago in the 1950s. This archaic breastplate was traditionally carved with countersunk suspension holes and lashing grooves; such a piece would have been worn only by a high-ranking members. The stone is gem quality Southland jade with areas of chatoyancy and no visible inclusions. The carving is so fine that the piece has a clear translucent quality making it one of the finest and rarest examples of a pre-European pounamu anywhere in the world. Height 13 cm, width 6 cm, collection number MA271. Provenance: Private Collection, Aotearoa
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified