Description:

Oceania, Micronesia, Ruk-Caroline Islands, Chuuk Island (formerly known as Truk), ca. 19th century CE. A fine example of a ceremonial pounder that is hand-carved from white coral that has taken on a light brown surface coloration. The tool features a characteristic corseted body with a gradually tapering handle, a carinated lower edge, and a convex pounding face that has developed pleasantly smooth surfaces from repeated use. Above the body is an integral discoid handle with a bifurcated central hemisphere that aided the user in gripping the tool in a variety of different ways. Pounders like this example were regarded as heirlooms and have been found buried with their female owners due to the erosion of tombs on the atoll. Size: 3.7" W x 5.3" H (9.4 cm x 13.5 cm)

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

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#168539

  • Condition: Minor nicks to pounding face, body, and discoid handle commensurate with age and use, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful surface smoothness throughout. Old inventory label written in black ink atop white paint on pounding face.

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August 25, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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