Description:

Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A handsome, hand-carved wooden adze with a slender handle that angles dramatically downward to form an asymmetrical V-shape and has on its shorter side a dramatically-angled stone blade head. The junction of blade and handle is wrapped with densely-woven fiber. The body is colored with a bright red pigment that is still present in many areas on the surface. This was one of the most important tools used by people in Fiji prior to European contact, when they were able to trade in iron for the first time. Stone-bladed adzes were integral to planting the crops that sustained their lives. Size: 7.1" W x 16.1" H (18 cm x 40.9 cm); 16.95" H (43.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Michael Evans collection, New Zealand, 2008

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#154524

  • Condition: The surface has extensive patina, with deposits along the woven fiber component. Small fissure at the angle, probably a result of use.

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April 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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