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A Finely Carved Polynesian Maori Feather Treasure Box and Cover.
With superb colour and patina.
Wood, haliotis (abalone) shell.
New Zealand.
Early 19th Century.
Provenance:
Alex Manoogian, USA (founder of Masco Corporation).
Ex Private French collection.
Ex Alain Schoffel collection, Paris until 1994.
Ex Private French collection.
Ex Yann Ferrandin.
Ex Private UK collection.
This finely carved wood ‘treasure box’ would have belonged to an important Maori elder or chief to keep safe their precious objects, Hei Tiki’s (nephrite pendants) feathers (often from the ‘huia’ bird and other artefacts which were precious to the chief, ancestors and tribe. Carved from a native hard wood, the box has terminals to each end with ‘god-tiki’ heads, inlaid with haliotis (abalone) shell.
A masterpiece of Maori carving with a beautiful deep rich patina.
Dimensions
Size: 14cm high, 51cm wide, 18.5cm deep - 5½ ins high, 20 ins wide, 7¼ ins deepThe BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees