A Maori Hand Club, wahaika...

Description

A Maori Hand Club, wahaika
New Zealand, c. 1750s

An extremely well conceived and masterfully crafted bone club, with a delicate openwork tiki figure on one side of the bill-hook blade. The tiki figure facing outward with hands resting on arched torso, three perforations separating her body from the blade. Another large tiki head at the but, the grip pierced for attachment of a wrist cord. In very good condition, minor scratches and one tiny chip on the blade made long ago or original to the piece. Overall a smooth, polished patina from handling.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1993
Wayne Heathcote
Sotheby's London, Tribal Art, July 3, 1989, lot #54
Collected the Admiral Richard Earl Howe, Sligo (1725-1800) or the fourth Marquis of Sligo (1824-1903)

Length: 13 ½ inches

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