Oceanic & African Art

Lot 1

Superb 18th-century Maori Canoe Bailer, Tiheru. Raharuhi Rukupo, Rongo Whataata Attributed
A fine Maori canoe bailer, of type II form, used in smaller inland and coastal water canoes, with a tapering hollowed scoop leading to two tubular supports holding a large tiki face; varied blackened patina overall. Attributed to master carver Raharuhi Rukupo, Rongo Whataata, Gisborne, East Coast. c.1840 - 1860. L.500mm.
$8,000 - $12,000

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Lot 2

Fine Cook Island Stool, No'oanga
Of fine proportions, rising from four legs, each with teardrop-shaped feet and a faceted edge beneath elegantly curved legs, supporting the arching rectangular seat; fine, aged, slightly reddish-brown patina. L.460mm.
$5,000 - $7,000

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Lot 3

Fine Fijian Headrest, Kali
Gently curved, rectangular cross-piece, flaring slightly at ends, supported by an ovoid mid-section resting on a rectangular flat base. 19th century. L.380mm.
$2,000 - $4,000

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Lot 4

Fine Tongan Inlaid Neck Rest
Of elegant, abstract, arching form, with small wedge-shaped feet supporting the lower edge, inlaid with mother of pearl to top and one side. L.460mm.
$6,000 - $8,000

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Lot 5

Rare and Superb Fijian War Club
Superbly balanced and made from a single piece of aged, soaked Vesi (ironwood), the culacula form is highly complex offering subtle concave and convex surfaces throughout the blade. The decorative elements are highly achieved with geometric carving throughout the grip section. The head of the club of a sophisticated design with the centre line tapering off to a thin mid-section that then flares as it terminates towards the tip. This purposeful design subtly distributes weight to the top of the blade, providing more power to the action of the club. The shoulder blades finely serrated. The patina remarkable, offering a dark, rich colour that transitions to deep, illustrious red. Overall stability of the club is excellent. 19th century. H.1,075mm.
$10,000 - $15,000

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Lot 6

Early Fijian Bowl, Tanoa
Rising from four short, tapering, cylindrical legs, the bowl with fine, delicate, ovoid form flaring and terminating to a point at opposing sides; a triangular lug pierced through; varied rich, layered, red/brown patina. 19th century. L.330mm, W135mm.
$1,200 - $1,500

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Lot 7

Solomon Island Hairpin
Jaw fragment from a traditional costume, superbly constructed using cane, fibre, wood and tapa cloth, covered in red and white natural pigment. New Britain, PNG. H.210mm, W.80mm.
$300 - $500

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Lot 8

Mask Fragment
Jaw fragment from a traditional costume, superbly constructed using cane, fibre, wood and tapa cloth, covered in red and white natural pigment. New Britain, PNG. H.210mm, W.80mm.
$100 - $200

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Lot 9

Rare Maori Adze Handle
With a bulbous end and long tubular shaft leading to a finely worked, rectangular-shaped head with six raised curved ridges; rich, variated patina. H.390mm, W.115mm.
$800 - $1,200

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Lot 10

Fine Massim Figure by Mutuaga
A superbly carved figure seated on a chair with arms raised and tightly drawn into the chest with hands resting on either side of the face; on a three-legged base with carved design to face, torso and base; rich, brown patina. 19th century. Massim area, South Cape, PNG. H.350mm, W.100mm.
$7,000 - $10,000

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Lot 11

Rare Vanuatu Club
Carved from a single piece of hardwood, the base of the handle is circular; handle extends into a highly refined 'hockey stick' form; rich, dark patina. 19th century. Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. L.1,020mm, W.35mm
$500 - $700

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Lot 12

Early Papuan Gulf Tapa Costume
Conical tapa cloth decorated with black and rusty-brown abstract motifs with attached fibre skirt. H.1,300mm, W.300mm.
$2,500 - $4,500

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Lot 13

Fine Asmat Shield
Of oval, flat form with eight scrolling motifs interspersed with circles, red and white pigments and blackening to parts. H.1,270mm, W.280mm
$1,200 - $1,500

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Lot 14

Rare Asmat Staff
Carved with overlapping elements, pierced at the centre three times and with stylised figure to one side. H.780mm, W.120mm.
$600 - $800

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Lot 15

Rare New Britain Mask
Elongated, rectangular-shaped body with a pierced vertical slit to top, framed by four smaller piercings either side; woven fibre surround with pompom to end; two woven lugs either side of body; clay overlay with red, brown, black lineal abstract motifs from natural pigments, highlighted with white eyes and nose. H.930mm, W260mm.
$1,800 - $3,800

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Lot 16

Huon Gulf Bowl
Of hollowed form, tapering to points at each end, rim decorated with stylised human figure with arm outstretched, flanked with serpent forms; early, dry patina. H.140mm, W.620mm.
$3,000 - $5,000

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Lot 17

Huon Gulf Bowl
Of hollowed, oval form with thin rim. Decorated with two panels of rectangular bands with arched ‘U’ shapes, with stylised figures; arms wrapped to each end of bowl.H105mm, W.300mm.
$1,800 - $2,800

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Lot 18

Rotse Spoon
Finely carved with three raised birds, light-coloured wood with blackened zigzag and triangular designs; aged patina. H.350mm, W50mm.
$750 - $1,000

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Lot 19

Kuba Spoon
A circular ladle beneath a flat broad handle fully carved with geometric motif. H.320mm, W.60mm.
$300 - $500

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Lot 20

Fine Zulu Spoon
An elongated, hollowed ladle with a twisted tubular mid-section; a pierced ovoid handle with inset face; three carved wooden chain links to end; light wood with blackened highlights. H.340mm, W.85mm.
$1,500 - $3,500

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Lot 21

Group of Four Zulu Spoons
Hollowed scoops leading to tubular shafts with various raised designs; two with carved ends. Varied light to medium-brown patina. H.375mm, W.55mm.
$1,500 - $3,500

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Lot 22

Dan Mask
Of hollowed form with pointed chin; a pierced rim for attachment; mouth pierced with superbly carved lips and well-defined cheekbones, raised, arched eyebrows, slit pierced eyes; wearing an encrusted, tightly woven coiffure. A rich, dark patina. H.240mm, W.160mm.
$4,500 - $6,500

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Lot 23

Fine Makonde Mask
With a wide, cylindrical neck and pointed chin, a pierced mouth with finely carved teeth under a broad triangular nose and lidded eyes; recessed designs to top with inset hair; varied red to black patina. H.290mm, W.180mm
$7,000 - $9,000

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Lot 24

Fine Lega Mask
Of convex form with pierced chin for attached fibre beard; slit mouth beneath a triangular nose and pierced oval eyes; fine, light-coloured patina. H.250mm, W.150mm.
$7,000 - $10,000

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