Catalog: Sold Items: Regional Art: Oceanic (2)

Of heavy, dense exotic wood and inlaid with carved shell pieces, this ceremonial staff is from the Solomon Islands, pre 1950s. The form is better than most, having a figural image at the top, well carved with open legs and good detail. The carving depicts a figure with folded arms, slightly bent knees, and a stylized face seen in Solomon Islands iconography. The figural section measures 13 1/4" high. Very nice dark patina, with a lovely slightly glossy surface, some pieces of inlay missing...

Of reddish wood with fine grain, this Maori Wahaika Patu measures 15 1/4" long and roughly 5 1/8" wide. The top has a figural face or mask carved in reticulated form, with a hole for attachment to the wrist. The club has a hooked section, used to grab the opponent's weapon and remove it...