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THB19th C. Maori Wood Staff w/ Silver Ring & Nacre Inlay
Lot 19
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,000 - $4,500
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Aug 22, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-08-22 10:00:00
2025-08-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
View Full Catalog (452)
- Lot Description
Oceania, New Zealand, Maori culture, ca. 19th century CE. A finely carved Maori tokotoko, or ceremonial staff, composed of dark hardwood with intricate surface decoration, inlaid shell, and a decorative silver ring. The tokotoko is a traditional Maori walking stick used not for support, but as a powerful symbol of status and authority. On the marae, it signifies that the holder speaks with mana, or ancestral authority. At the terminal end of the angled handle is a zoomorphic head with pronounced jawline, carved brows, and large inlaid mother of pearl eyes. Below the bend in the handle stands an anthropomorphic figure carved in relief, his posture upright and expression fierce with one eye still boasting its original nacre shell inlay. A silver ring encircles the shaft just beneath this central figure, possibly a later addition, yet neatly aligned with the object's ceremonial character. Size: 4.8" L x 1.3" W x 37.4" H (12.2 cm x 3.3 cm x 95 cm); silver quality: 83%
The remainder of the staff is fully carved with rhythmic, interlocking patterns typical of Maori whakairo design, including rauponga (notched ridge work), spirals, and notched chevrons. The surface is polished to a rich reddish-brown patina, bearing soft wear from handling over time. Tokotoko were traditionally held by orators and elders during formal gatherings, speeches, and rituals, allowing them to channel ancestral presence through word and gesture. The carved figures and inlaid features on this example emphasize that connection to lineage, mythic beings, and the land.
Parts from certain animal species including nacre shell may require an additional license upon import into another country due to legislation relating to endangered species and environmental conservation. If you are not sure whether CITES' rules apply to your item, please see the CITES Appendices.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2004; ex-Taylor Dale, purchased in Congers, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#195967Missing one mother of pearl inlay eye on figure standing beneath handle and silver ring is slightly loose. Expected age wear to wood with a few stable fissures in areas. Otherwise, impressive detail and rich patina throughout.Condition
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