Description:

Oceania, French Polynesia, Tahiti, ca. 1930s CE. A hand-carved wood sculpture of five nude figures tangled in one another as they engage in a sensual activity. Boasting a lovely natural woodgrain surface in hues of chocolate brown and caramel, each of the stylized figures features a bulbous head with heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, full lips, and ovoid ears. One figure appears to be sitting upon two others as he kisses a female character and places his hand on the torso of a second woman. All carved upon a single, integral base, their gestures seem unmistakably tender and their proximity sexual. Tahitian wood carvings range from the abstract to the naturalistic, with fantastical versions of the human body being a feature. These figures likely represent gods, spirits, or human ancestors; some were used for malevolent magic, whilst others were called upon by the community in times of need. Size: 16" L x 11.25" W x 13.5" H (40.6 cm x 28.6 cm x 34.3 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.

#133481

  • Condition: A few stable fissures throughout. Expected nicks/chips and abrasions as shown, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 1, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000