Description:

Polynesia, Cook Islands, ca. 19th century CE. An absolutely stunning hardwood club or scepter, carved from a rich, warm, red-brown tropical hardwood with light flecks of black as a natural part of its surface. Inlaid at regular intervals on both sides are four creamy white, pearlescent mother-of-pearl shell discs (two are lost on one side). Although the general shape of this item resembles a war club, its elegant form and beautiful decoration suggest that it was used to demonstrate the power of the individual who wielded it in ceremonies and ritual occasions. Size: 2.55" W x 14" H (6.5 cm x 35.6 cm); 15.8" H (40.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960-2000

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 shipmost antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#153872

  • Condition: Two of the mother of pearl discs are lost from one side. Another has been reattached. Small scratches and nicks on surface. Old collection label on handle.

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July 22, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$200,000 + $20,000