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Ethnographic Art and Artefacts — Cordy's

Auction House:Cordy'sNumber of lots recorded:149
Sale Title:Ethnographic Art and ArtefactsLots with images:149
Auction Location:AucklandPrices available:111
Date:9-Oct-2023
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A Maori pre-European pounamu hei tiki, type II, of female form, well carved with head turned to the left shoulder, displays small recessed ring eyes, chin and ear projections, the counter sunk suspension hole dominantly drilled from the reverse one hand to the chest with wear to the three fingered hand, the other hand to the left thigh. Pale to mid green tone. Possibly heat treated. This practice is recorded as being under taken to improve the appearance. Provenance: Inherited from vendor's father who…
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An early Maori pounamu hei tiki, the head turned to the right with chin to shoulder, ring carved eyes, hands to thighs, ribs evident. Mid to dark green tone with pale inclusions (kawakawa). Flat overall form. The original countersunk suspension hole broken away, another smaller below, height 8.8 cm.
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A Maori carved whalebone hei tiki, type I, shape a, of good size, with scroll line and notch detail, the paua set eyes with red sealing wax outer rings, height 13 cm.
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A rare Maori pounamu (serpentine) rei puta pendant, carved into the form of a whales tooth with curved point and ridged bands. The top with lug form back, hour glass drilled suspension hole. Dark spotted mid pale green-grey tone with tan inclusions, length 11.3 cm. Labelled 'Rei Puta Pelorus Sound'. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate. Note: a similar example illustrated 'The Moa-Hunter period of Maori Culture' by Roger Duff 1950 pg.123.
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A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei-tiki, with chin to the left shoulder, hands to thighs, the tapered hourglass drilled and concealed suspension hole to the back top of head showing only as a small lug from the front, mid/dark green tone with natural pale inclusions, length 8.8 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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A vintage Maori pounamu hei tiki chin to left shoulder, hands to thighs, height 7.5 cm.
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An impressive pre-European Maori long inanga pounamu hei whao, of long lozenge tapered form and oval cross section, groove to the chisel end, the hourglass suspension hole with narrow section to the top, evidence of old broken hole above. Matt polished, with restrained pale and tan inclusions, length 18.2 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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An old Maori probably pre-European pounamu toki, of flat wide form, the reduced tapered pole/ handle with evidence of flake chipping. Good dark green tone with pale inclusions. The mildly curved bevel with minor chipping, length 11.7 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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An old Maori pounamu long kapeu ear pendant, mid green kawakawa variety stone, the top pierced with a rounded tapered suspension hole, length 7115.7 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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An old Maori pounamu aurei (cloak pin), of long mildly curved form, tapering to a point, the suspension hole with length of waxed plaited cord/muka, length 12 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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An old Maori pounamu kapeu ear pendant, irregular flat sided form, tapering to a point, the top pierced with a tapered hour-glass form hole, length 8.9 cm.
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An old Maori mere pounamu, the handle with four concentric grooves and tapered suspension hole to the pronounced oval butt, short, reduced grip. The large blade mildly tapered with mildly curved end. Probably kawakawa variety with slightly yellow veining and pale flecks, length 36 cm.
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A mid/late 20th century Maori carved mere pounamu curved ridged butt end, cylindrical pierced suspension hole, length 28 cm. Tiny flake to blade.
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A 19th century or earlier Maori whalebone patu, traditional spatulate blade tapering to the edges, the reduced tapered grip with single groove to the small butt, length 35.3 cm.
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An old Maori long pounamu toki, tapered narrow form, slanted sides, the curved bevel with chip to corner, scarf groove to one flat side. The pole with evidence of snap. Of good dark green tone, length 24.8 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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A pre-European Maori pounamu toki (adze), mainly polished, the straight side with scarf and snap grooves, the other mildly curved, mid/dark green with pale inclusions, angled bevel with straight cutting edge, the angled poll end with natural fractured finish, length 16.3 cm. Labelled: 'Found at Puponga 1910. Cape Farewell'.
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A large Maori pre-European stone toki, type 4, with reduced poll and general quadrangular section, major chipping to blade end. Smooth rounded form consistent with water worn wear, length 23 cm.
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, of large wide tapered form, grey tone, flaked at pole, fine all over pecking, the smooth polished curved blade with sharp edge, length 20 cm .
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A large Maori pre-European stone toki, the polished grey argillite from D'Urville island with smooth soap like finish. Tapered form, polished flaking to poll. The mildly curved blade edge with one chip, length 20.5 cm. Provenance: from a private Nelson estate.
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, tapered and mildly rounded form. Polished dark grey with small area of fine pecking. Some chips to bevel, length 13.7 cm.
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, type 5, flaked and pecked narrow reduced tang, polished from mid-section to mildly curved blade edge. Dark tone, tapered form, flared shoulders, mildly curved bevel with minor chipping, length 19 cm.
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, nearly fully flaked, tapered form, some polishing to the slighted curved bevel. Of black argillite (Mt. Ears Marlborough type), length 19 cm.
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Two Maori pre-European toki, one of grey argillite, flaked and pecked, polished curved bevel, length 15.5 cm. The other of narrow form and triangular section, the narrow blade in polish otherwise flaked finish, length 16.5 cm.
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Three Maori pre-European stone toki, tapered form. The shorter two in reasonable polish the other narrower and flaked all over. L's. 110. 10 & 16.5 cm..
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Three Maori pre-European stone toki, tapered form and in reasonable polish . L's. 140. 80 & 10 cm..
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Three Maori pre-European stone toki, tapered form. Two with dominant flaking. L's. 65. 125 & 10 cm.
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A Maori pre-European pounamu small toki, wide flat near rectangular form. Mostly polished, scarf grooves to the sides, the poll with evidence of snap. The blade edge nearly straight, length 7 cm, width 4.7 cm.
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Three Maori pre-European stone toki, tapered form. Two polished the other with flaking and polish. Lengths. 10.5 cm. 11 cm & 12 cm.
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A Maori pre-European pounamu toki, wide flat tapered form. Mostly polished. The blade edge nearly straight, length 10 cm.
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Two Maori pre-European toki, one flaked of hog back form, length 14 cm. The other of tapered form, polished with some flaking remaining evident, length 11 cm.
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, type 5, tapered form with pronounced curved flat bevel, mildly curved cutting edge, polished and with some flaking, flared shoulders, length 17.5 cm.
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Two small Maori pre-European small toki, one pounamu with scarf and snap evidence to side, length 6 cm. The other small dark stone toki of flat flared form, length 6 cm.
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Four small Maori pre-European small toki, one pounamu of wide flat form, length 6 cm. The other three various. L's 70 to 5 cm. .
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Two Maori pre-European stone toki, one with all-over flaking, pale grey stone, length 16.4 cm. The other with flaking and polished areas, length 15.4 cm. & .
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A Maori pre-European stone toki, finely grained speckled grey stone, tapered form, with mildly curved bevel and edge. Detailed in white pen 'Bay of Islands', length 16 cm.
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Two Maori pre-European stone toki, the smaller polished, length 8.5 cm. The larger with large chip to corner of blade, some polished and pecked areas, length 12.7 cm. .
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Two Maori stone tools, a hammer stone and a cutting blade/knife, length 8.8 cm. &
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Two Maori old pounamu whao, both of flat mildly tapered form, angled bevels with straight cutting edge. L's.44' & 4.3 cm. & .
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A 19th century Maori carved taiaha, plain traditional carved head and tapered shaft. Good dark patina, length 155 cm.
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A c.1980s Maori carved lidded waka huia, lozenge form, all over carved with lineal and spiralling notch detail, a stylised head to each end, length 46 cm.
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An early 20th century Maori carved inkstand, the top with two weku heads flanking the recess for an ink bottle, all framed by carved designs, some paua inserts remain. Original ebonised finish. 38 x 18 x 5.5 cm
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A vintage Maori carved stylised mask and paua shell bowl, notch and lineal carved detail, paua shell set eyes, one with chip, the bowl as a full paua shell, length 34 cm.
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An early/mid 20th century carved Maori taiaha, the head and extended tongue with scroll and notched carved detail, dark patina, length 165.5 cm.
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A contemporary Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, ' B ' type, head turned to left shoulder, three finger hand to chest and thigh. Of good depth. Kawakawa nephrite, height 11 cm
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A Maori carved whalebone patiti (hatchet) by Charlie Raponi Wilson, the traditionally carved handle with stylised mask to the butt, curving lineal and notch detail to the back, a pierced and carved mask to each side below the old steel trade axe blade, length 30 cm.
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A contemporary carved Maori short waka hoe by Richard (Rangi) Redman, the blade back carved with two masks and swirling and notched designs, the butt with further mask, paua insert eyes. Monogrammed to the reverse, length 75 cm.
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A carved whale jawbone pendant, carved and incised in traditional patterns. In fitted box 5.5 x 6.5 cm.
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A large carved wooden Maori mask, with incised moko to face, hook to reverse for display, height 64.5 cm.
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Possible Miri Maori Lands mother and child composition head doll, on rag body with flax skirt and cotton cape, height 46 cm.
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An early 20th century Maori relief moulded 'Carved' plaster lintel, the central stylised mask flanked by scroll and notch motifs. Some distress, length 130 cm. Mounted and framed. The reverse detailed 'From Auckland Museum interior wall finial motif. During Renovation 1983'.
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A heavy bronze tiki tray, the square tray with large tiki in relief to centre, the tray footed. 21 x 21 cm.
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A solid burr totara colonial period patu, wide tapered blade, oval section handle, length 36.5 cm.
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Ross McCabe large carved obsidian notched rei niho(eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2014. The Tuhua (volcanic obsidian) from Mayor Island, length 5.8 cm.
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Ross McCabe carved arahura pounamu five 'Tooth' pendant with certificate 2017. The teeth of graduating size on a plaited cord.
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Te Kaha large carved pounamu rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2016. The plaited cord with mother of pearl shell toggle, length 10.5 cm
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Te Kaha carved pounamu hei toki with certificate 2016. Te Kaha is a master pounamu practitioner, educator and spokesperson who has honed his skillset and craft over three decades. Te Kaha's pounamu pieces have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for their beautiful finish, balance and mauri.
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Te Kaha carved pounamu (chatoyant tangiwai) large rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2019, length 7.2 cm.
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Te Kaha carved pounamu (gem inanga) rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2018, length 6.8 cm.
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Jaded Tainui carved pounamu (raukaraka) rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2020. With high polish defined central top ridge and notched top to hold the plaited lashing and cord, length 9.5 cm.
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19th century photograph 'Group of native Allies Roto Kakahi' 17 x 22.5 cm. Another 19th century photo on reverse 'Burial caves of the Tribes at Waiomeo, Now Tapu'. 21.5 x 28.5 cm.
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A pair of colonial New Zealand oils on canvas pink & white terraces, unsigned, one entitled 'White Terraces', both inscribed in pencil verso 'Destroyed June 10th 1886'. 40 x 30 cm.
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'Tumai Tawhiti' (Ngati Raukawa, Te Arawa), watercolour by C. Evans, after a work by C.F. Goldie. Signed and dated 1950. 36.5 x 28 cm
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Henry John Gill (1853-1932) 19th century gelatin photograph studio portrait of two prominent Kai Tahu Maori, Te one (H?ne) Taare T?kao and Honani Matiu Tikao (1850-1927, tohunga and politician). Shown standing holding a taiaha, wearing a kahu kiwi over a kaitaka cloak with taniko border. Hoani Tamahika Matiu (1854-1944, traditional authority, Kai Tahu Settlement Cmtee Exec) holding a tewhatewha, wearing a large whakatipu (dress raincape) over a kaitaka taniko and rapaki kilt. Postcard images of the same…
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Two carbonette prints of photographs by Charles Spencer, 'Hori Ngakapa Te Whanaunga' and unknown portrait. Inscribed in the plate 'Ngakpa 100 C. Spence Photo' and 'Maori Chief'. Both unframed, 20 x 15.5 cm
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C. Troughton Clark (NZ 1890-1979) Maori mother & child carbonette print photograph 30.5 x 23.5 cm.
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C. Troughton Clark (NZ 1890-1979) Maori mother & child carbonette print photograph 31 x 25 cm.
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Two Paul Gyde carved bone pendants hei tiki & heru, 5.5 cm to 8 cm. In fitted wooden boxes.
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J H Menzies 'Maori patterns painted and Carved', 1975 limited edition of the New Zealand classic originally published in 1904. Hagley press #190 of 750. Large format 50.5 x 36 cm. In card slip case.
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Two Aboriginal old boomerangs widest, length 60 cm
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An old Australian Aboriginal boomerang, grooved carved detail, red ochre finish, length 68 cm
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Old 19th century Australian Aboriginal bullroarer, with rectangular carved sections both sides, length 55 cm
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Old Australian aboriginal bullroarer/flat stick, elongated lozenge form, some scratched maker's marks otherwise plain, length 53.5 cm
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A vintage Aboriginal Coolamon bowl made from Australian hardwood, wire burnt decoration. Coolamons were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water, fruits, nuts etc, length 21 cm
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An early Pacific Island hard wood war club, length 87 cm
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A small carved nephrite bowl three whale tail motifs in relief with incised dotted areas between. Dia. 9.5 cm, height 5 cm.
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A c.1900 pacific hardwood i`e (tapa beater) the long-squared head with fine carved ridges and a band of fine zig-zag decoration encircling between the waisted grip, length 35 cm.
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A very large Tongan ngatu (tapa), in painted panel design with traditional reoccurring motifs. With some tears and old repairs 460 x 300 cm
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An old Tongan or Fijian contact period neck rest, showing good age, circular spoked support to the curved bar form top with various carving to the flared ends, rectangular platform base with partial crack, length 44 cm
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A Tongan ngatu (tapa), rubbed over kupesi blocks and over painted, designs include the 'Royal coat of Arms', 'Hala Paine' and Tongan words, four langa langa lengths, colours ecru and browns. 358 x 193 cm.
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Tokelau Islands hardwood vintage fishing box, oval form, the fitted lid with sennet cord attached. W.24.5 cm
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Rarotonga (Cook Islands) old stone bound and wood hafted adze, the tapered blade with V-form detail, finely woven and plaited sennet cord binding, mildly tapered oval section handle, length 66 cm
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A dark wooden spatula type knife, serrated flared central section in Tongan manner. Open reticulated handle. Some faults', length 37 cm
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An old Pacific large kava bowl oval form raised on four legs. Minor damage and hair crack to top rim. Adzing evident to the underside. Probably 19th century, length 49.5 cm.
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A large whales tooth, polished and with cut base to allow it to stand, length 15.3 cm.
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Two Fijian Lapita type pottery vessels, one formed as a stylised turtle, the other of canoe type form with relief X-forms, length 140 & 16.5 cm.
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A 19th century Fijian hardwood (ironwood) kiakavo dance club, flared head with worn ridged highlights, length 91 cm
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A 19th century Fijian hardwood rootstock war club, traditional lobed head with extensive sennit binding (some loose), toothed carved detail to grip, length 106 cm
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A late 19th century Fijian Ula throwing club, the typical lobed head with small split, toothed carving to grip, length 40.5 cm.
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A 19th century Fijian hardwood ula throwing club, lobed head and toothed carved grip. Brass band to the shaft to hold the natural partial split. Other age splits. Gloss patina to the head, length 46 cm
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A 19th century Fijian Ula throwing club, the spherical head with natural small hollow sections, band halfway over old partial split. Toothed detail to grip, length 39 cm
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An old Fijian Sali war club, hardwood, carved flared section with repeating carved panels, some loss (chip) to head, length 83 cm
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A polished old whales tooth (tabua), remains of inked kowhaiwhai decoration. The wide end cut flat, length 12.3 cm.
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A large old Fijian tabua whales tooth pendant, turmeric stained, scratch engraved 'Veni'? Drilled suspension hole to one end, length 17 cm.
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An old whale's tooth, drilled suspension holes and old woven string cord. Tooth W.10 cm.
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Two woven fibre bags W.300 & 23 cm
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A Sharks tooth sword from Kiribati, teeth bound and mounted on palm wood shaft. Some losses, length 63 cm
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Small miniature paddle, with horizontal 'Guard' detail, possibly Micronesian, length 53.2 cm
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A French Polynesian (?) old ornately beaded hanging, woven natural fibre top and base fringe. Diamond patterned fine bead work. Beads of glass & shell. Reputedly brought to NZ by priest in 1800
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A Solomon Islands carved coral head, conforming to the original material shape, with almond eyes, height 17.5 cm. Provenance: collection of Denis L. Dutton (1944 - 2010), then John F. Perry (1943-2021), thence to our vendor/collector who has exhibited this piece at the little dog gallery, Devonport, c.2015.
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An old uncommon Solomon Islands woven shield, all reed and finely woven rattan, used for battle and ceremony, length 86 cm.
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