A rare old Maori figure decorated sinker (mahe), oval ball form with knopped top, carved with two figures back-to-back in relief, arched backs with protruding abdomen, their hands linked across the body of the sinker, their heads form the reduced knob top with 'hour-glass' suspension hole, carved from sedimentary stone, a portion to one side broken away and with blacked adjacent area as evidence of fire damage. Provenance: Found Kawakawa Bay area c.1950. Note: Decorated sinkers are uncommon and traditionally of ceremonial function, this example displays great symmetry and fine detail. 8.1 cm x 6.7 cm x 8.6 cm