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THB19th C. Cook Islands Wood Adze Handle (Ruatangaeo)
Lot 223
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,800 - $2,500
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
May 18, 2023
Set Reminder
2023-05-18 10:00:00
2023-05-18 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Ancient | Asian | Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-asian-ethnographic-art-12797
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient, and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Satisfaction guaranteed. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient, and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Satisfaction guaranteed. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (399)
- Lot Description
**Originally Listed At $1000**
Oceania, Polynesia, Southern Cook Islands, Mangaia Island, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. A beautiful openwork adze handle of distinctly ceremonial form known as a ruatangaeo, hand-carved from dark maroon-hued wood. The tapered rectangular body is elaborately incised with several horizontal layers as well as 2 large chambers surrounded by vertical bars, each with incised triangular decorations to create a consistent pattern across the exterior surfaces. Notably detailed in its presentation, this adze handle marked social distinction and served ceremonial purposes rather than military or utilitarian functions. Size: 4.5" W x 16.9" H (11.4 cm x 42.9 cm); 18.625" H (47.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Ruatangaeo, like this example, are said to have descended from or be related to carved deities. Considered inferior gods or objects of divination, this adze haft were once believed to have the ability to still storms and protect fishermen. The name "rutangaeo" translates to "kingfisher's nests," which adze hafts of this style closely resemble.
According to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, "Adzes were prized not only as tools but as material property of wealth. An adze maker is a ta'unga (expert) who enjoyed a position of social and economic importance. His work is sought after and is paid in food and cloth for his services and he could buy protection with his skills. With a collection of adzes the conquered could buy life and protection from a powerful chief."
Cf. The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), registration number FE002306.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 2000 to 2010
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.
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#178135Minor nicks and abrasions, with light earthen deposits, and light softening to some incised details, otherwise intact and excellent.Condition
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