**Originally Listed At $3000**

New Zealand, Maori culture, 19th century. Rare and exceptional carved wooden flute. Tapered at each end with carved Tiki at midsection, woven flax string (probably kieke root) mouthpiece and other end. At mouthpiece is a carved Wheku head inlaid with haliotis shell. Open-mouthed tiki sits at the fingerhole. The exact role of the Bugle flute is unknown but one prevailing theory is that it announced the return of the chief to his village. Size: 19.625" L x 2" W (49.8 cm x 5.1 cm)

For similar examples see the "John Nicholson of Haslemere" flute which hammered for a whopping 140,000 British pounds!

Provenance: private Orange, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1930s

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#157363

Wonderful mellow patina with a few minor dings here and there.