**Originally Listed At $2750**
Polynesia, Cook Islands, ca. 19th century CE. An absolutely stunning hardwood club or scepter, carved from a rich, warm, red-brown tropical hardwood with light flecks of black as a natural part of its surface. Inlaid at regular intervals on both sides are four creamy white, pearlescent mother-of-pearl shell discs (two are lost on one side). Although the general shape of this item resembles a war club, its elegant form and beautiful decoration suggest that it was used to demonstrate the power of the individual who wielded it in ceremonies and ritual occasions. Size: 2.55" W x 14" H (6.5 cm x 35.6 cm); 15.8" H (40.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960-2000
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#153872
Condition
Two of the mother of pearl discs are lost from one side. Another has been reattached. Small scratches and nicks on surface. Old collection label on handle.