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Important nguru flute. This artefact is a marine ivory nguru…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
14-Sep-2013
Lot No.
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Description:
Important nguru flute. This artefact is a marine ivory nguru given to Commander James Wood RN on one of his journeys to New Zealand between 1837 and 1843 the artefact comes to auction from the present owner who is a direct descendent of Commander Wood. Masterfully carved from a whale tooth, the nguru is consistent with the Northern carving styles and features refined design patterns of haehae and pakati (dog tooth patterned notching) A stylised lizard rests to the underside and delicate spiral design flanks the flutes blow hole the lizard figure is an intriguing feature about this item, in Maori mythology and carving the lizard is often used to invoke protection and was a feared figure and omen the nature of the artefact points to it being gifted by someone important in the Maori hierarchy. As officer in charge of the vessels hallmarked sterling buffalo and hallmarked sterling tortoise assigned to collect kauri timber for the Royal Navy, Commander wood had numerous encounters with the Maori Tribes in the Bay of Islands, coromandel Coast and great Barrier Island these encounters were believed to be mostly friendly. All of these trips are well documented, most notably the hallmarked sterling buffalo for suffering serious damages during a fierce gale that saw it wrecked on 28th July 1840 at mercury Bay. This artefact is a relic from these voyages and is believed to have come from one of the Iwi in the area most likely ngati hei. Undoubtedly a specimen of master craftsmanship, the materials used and figures depicted on this artefact also suggest that not only the person who gifted the nguru was of importance but the person receiving it was seen of equal importance in his book about the coromandel, New Zealand historian and author A.W Reed makes reference to the fact that the Commander of hallmarked sterling buffalo, James wood, was reputed to have married a 'Beautiful Maori woman.' This was possibly Materena Waitangi, a daughter of a respected Chief circa 1840. Length 11 cm. Height 4.2 cm. Diameter 3.4 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Tribal: New Zealand Maori