Polynesian Tribal Art
Fiji
Sperm Whale Tooth Necklace "Wasekaseka", 18/19th Century
Fiji Islands
Whale tooth, fibers
Longest tooth is 6.5 inches long
Provenance
Ex Old Scottish Collection
French Polynesia
Massive Raivavae Ceremonial Dance Paddle, 19th Century
Austral Islands, French Polynesia
Wood
64.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches
Provenance
Ex Ziff Family Collection
Description
Finely decorated around the pommel with sixteen representative carved human faces and hollowed out, the cylindrical shaft and enormous, elegant spade-form blade carved throughout with exceedingly fine incised "sunburst" design. Rich and glossy dark brown overall patina. Australian Islands, French Polynesia
Fiji
Massive Fiji "Totokia" Beaked Battle Hammer Club, 18/19th Century
Wood
33.25 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
Provenance
Ex English Collection
Description
The exceptional massive "Beaked Battlehammer" club from the Fiji Islands was intended to "peck" holes in a victim's skull, according to Adrienne Kaeppler. They acquired their basic shape from a sapling that was tied and forced to grow at an angle. Often mistakenly called "pineapple" clubs, they are carved to represent the fruit of the pandanus tree.
Fiji
Calacula Parring Shield, 19th Century
Tonga Islands, Fiji
Wood
41 x 8.5 inches
Provenance
Ex Frederick, North London
Ex Count Werner D Schack, Southern Jutland, Denmark
Ex Private Collection, East Coast
Description
The fine and rare parrying shield from the Tonga Islands is finely carved, most likely by stone. The cylindrical, undecorated staff leads to a flat, spade-shaped surface decorated on both sides with finely raised rippled surface with bird, half-moon, circles and serrated lines. It has a fine reddish-brown patina.