Description:

**Originally Listed At $400**

Oceania, Polynesia, Tonga, ca. early 20th century CE. A wonderful wooden tapa beater, hand-carved in an asymmetrical hourglass form, with a tubular handle with a flared base and a cuboid beating end, 3 sides of which have 3 to 5 deeply incised grooves. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In Polynesian society, the cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift, but it once - before synthetic fabrics replaced it - was used as everyday wear; today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 12.2" L x 2.6" W (31 cm x 6.6 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#141418

  • Condition: Some stable fissures travelling vertically down head and body, as well as light abrasions with some loss to one corner, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina. Collection label to one side.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

December 29, 2025 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
32.50%
$250,000+:
27.50%

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500