Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, New Caledonia, Kanak people, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A hand carved wooden club known as a "porowa ra maru," translating to "bird head," formed from a thick staff with a naturally curved finial crook, perfectly suited to form the bird's head. The lower end of the shaft is covered with a tightly woven bark-cloth and wrapped with sennit fiber cords. The upper head is polished with the natural downward curve accentuated by carved knobbed eyes, and the tip is sharpened like a beak - the overall form of the bird is charmingly abstract. These clubs were valuable items that symbolized wealth and high rank, and they were sometimes given as ceremonial gifts or as trade items. Size: 29" L x 11.75" W (73.7 cm x 29.8 cm); 30" H (76.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#168529

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures on head and shaft. Chips and losses to shaft tip but does not affect overall presentation of club. Abrasions and chips to high pointed areas and minor fraying to sennit fibers, but bark cloth and cords are secure. Great patina throughout.

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October 9, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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