This piece is carved in the shape of a traditional Maori war club known as a "Kotiate" with a human or birds head on the handle.

Size: approx. 3.5" tall x 1.5" at the widest

(87mm tall x 36mm wide)

This pendent is made out of bone, probably whalebone (my best guess). It is very finely carved and finished and small fine polishing marks can be seen on the surfaces. It has been polished smooth by hand, not by machine. The small attachment hole at the top of the hole has been drilled by hand and has the interior curvature to it, often seen in jade pieces when they have been drilled by hand from both sides. The holes that form the openwork design of the birds or persons mouth and nose also look to be hand-drilled. I can see no evidence of machine tools being used on this piece. This pendant or necklace ornament has developed a beautiful old patina from wear and handling over the years. Close examination shows a smooth somewhat glossy patina and a darkened yellowish color as well. The area near the attachment hole shows darkening, as though the piece may have had a brass ring through it at one time. This hole also shows wear.

This piece is in good ethnographic condition with no damage or repairs. There are no cracks to the bone, although there is some normal crazing along the grain of the bone, normal for very old bone pieces. Possibly a part of the abalone shell is missing as the shell piece is not completely round and does not fill the carved hole it is in.

This piece is beautifully crafted and very old. It was likely made for tibal use or possibly for a Western visitor from a whaling ship.

Please take a look at the close-up photos to see all the details. This work will be a museum quality addition to any collection of Oceanic art and look great in any Ethnographic, Tribal, or Hawaiian decor.

The price of this piece includes insured shipping within the United States. We are happy to hear from you by e-mail if you have any questions or need more information.