New Zealand, Maori, ca. late 18th to mid 19th century CE. A finely carved wooden canoe prow presenting an expressive visage with an open mouth featuring lips incised with chevron motifs, a protruding tongue known as a tete or pakoko, and circular eyes adorned by a masklike band that is also incised with chevron motifs. The face is further embellished with red and green pigmentation. This personage likely represents an ancestral leader and was created to instill courage in seafaring men. Size: 5.75" L x 2.75" W (14.6 cm x 7 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar example at the Brooklyn Museum (accession number 53.149.1).

Another Tauihu, albeit of a larger size, sold for $68,750 at Bonhams New York (13 November 2018, lot 34).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960-2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#154506

Perforations to back end and one side for attachment. Expected surface wear with scuffs and minute nicks here and there, age cracks on back end, and old abrasions/losses to peripheries commensurate with age and handling. Still, details of the visage are remarkably well preserved with ample red and green pigmentation. Wood has developed a lustrous patina from age and use.