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THBPair of 19th C. Cook Islands Wood Adze Hefts
Lot 152
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:
$1,600 - $2,500
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
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| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Apr 8, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-04-08 10:00:00
2021-04-08 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-art-6770
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (327)
- Lot Description
Polynesia, Southern Cook Islands, Mangaia Island, ca. 1850 CE. A wonderful pair of hand-carved wood adze hefts from the ceremonial adzes of the Cook Islands known as ruatangaeo. Both sitting upon square plinths, each present a pedestal form with a cuboid base, a towering conical body, and a flared finial at the top where the adze head would have been placed. Their tall bodies are intricately adorned with abstract incised and openwork motifs of asterisks and x-shapes forming elaborate, mesmerizing programs across their surfaces. One of the pieces features seven registers of decoration on each side, while the other features a lovely motif of concentric squares. Notably detailed in their presentation, these adze hefts marked social distinction and likely served ceremonial purposes rather than military or utilitarian functions. Size (both the same size): 4" W x 22" H (10.2 cm x 55.9 cm); 22.75" H (57.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Ruatangaeo, like these examples, are said to have descended from or be related to carved deities. Considered inferior gods or objects of divination, these adze hafts 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."
Provenance: private Washington, USA collection; ex-Ciancimino Gallery, London, UK
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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#163087Losses to tops of both. Chip to base and small loss to body of one. Both have expected surface wear with nicks/chips, abrasions, a few stable fissures, and scratches, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits and lovely patina throughout.Condition
- Shipping Info
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