A MAORI PATU

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
14 October 2009
200

Oceanic Artefacts

late 19th century
A MAORI PATU

ceremonial hand club, made of light wood and carved overall, the handle features a male and female tiki figures embracing in the act of copulation. The end of the handle has a mask with protruding tongue, some old damage to the feet of the male figure, shell insets missing from the handle and other small dents accumulated over time. The subject matter shows complete disregard for the missionary mind set that neuters most figures carved at this time.

35.5 cm height

Estimate: 
$3,000 - 5,000