Description:

South Pacific, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful and rare example of a fishing lure that is hand-carved from pearlescent shell. The slender and sizable lure has a tapered body, with narrow points on the top and bottom, and a protruding, crescent-shaped hook attached via lengths of vegetal fiber. Fishing lures like this example were incredibly important to early Micronesian and Polynesian cultures as they were unfamiliar with the process of forging metal. Size: 3.25" L x 0.875" W (8.3 cm x 2.2 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.

For a strikingly similar example, please see The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), registration number FE000438.

Provenance: ex-Michael Evans collection, New Zealand, acquired in 2007

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#153880

  • Condition: Repair to tip of hook, with very light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to hook and lure body, with light desiccation to vegetal fibers commensurate with age. Nice patina throughout.

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March 18, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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