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An old Maori koauau (flute), mid-brown wood, cylindrical,…
Lot No.
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Description:
An old Maori koauau (flute), mid-brown wood, cylindrical, tapering at either end and with a small elevated medial rib pierced for a suspension cord, a koruru head carved in high relief near one end, the eyes inset with paua shell. The oral provenance from the owner of this koauau ascertains that it was a gift from Hongi Hika to the chief Te Rauparaha in exchange for a wife. Then by gifting to the owner's great-great-grandfather Hector (Hec) McDonald, whaler/trader based at Kapiti Island, north of Wellington. At an unknown date Hector McDonald married Te Rauparaha's niece Te Kobi, it is believed she died giving birth to their son Hugh, born 1848. Length 16 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified