Lot 17
South Pacific, New Zealand, Aotearoa (New Zealand), ca. 19th century CE. A striking example of Maori craftsmanship, this elaborately carved tamere or ceremonial axe features a masterfully incised wooden haft adorned with traditional rauponga patterns parallel ridges and notches symbolic of lineage, mana (authority), and ancestral connection. The lower terminal is especially notable for its openwork carving, possibly representing stylized manaia or abstract kaitiaki (guardian) figures, executed with balance and precision. The haft flares into a robust socket holding an iron blade, likely acquired through 19th-century trade with Europeans, a period when taonga (treasured objects) were often adapted to incorporate foreign materials while preserving cultural essence. Size: 17" L x 6.125" W (43.2 cm x 15.6 cm)
Although the blade is functional, the overall refinement and surface polish indicate this axe was not primarily utilitarian, but rather symbolic or ceremonial, possibly wielded by a rangatira (chief) or tohunga (priest) during ritual, dance, or as a status emblem.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased from John Wise, NYC
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#196363
- Condition: Excellent condition with a few very minor scuffs.
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