19th C. Maori Tekoteko (Protective Gable Figure Tiki)
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Description
**Originally Listed At $750**
Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th century CE. This is a beautiful miniature carving of a protective gable figure tiki known as a Tekoteko, inlaid with abalone shells as the eyes. In Polynesian culture including that of the native New Zealanders, the Maori, the word "tiki" means carved human figure, possibly originating from the myth of Tiki, the first man. This maskette is relief carved into an ovoid piece of wood with a flattened verso. The open mouth has a concave tongue protruding from the center under flared nostrils, and the circular eyes are inlaid with shimmering nacre discs. This talisman likely served the same protective function as the Tekoteko architectural carvings, but as a portable amulet. Tekoteko are tiki figures or faces carved to represent tribal ancestors that watch over the tribe and these carvings are often placed at the gable or entrance of Maori buildings as protection. Size: 2" L x 1.125" W (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#168535
Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th century CE. This is a beautiful miniature carving of a protective gable figure tiki known as a Tekoteko, inlaid with abalone shells as the eyes. In Polynesian culture including that of the native New Zealanders, the Maori, the word "tiki" means carved human figure, possibly originating from the myth of Tiki, the first man. This maskette is relief carved into an ovoid piece of wood with a flattened verso. The open mouth has a concave tongue protruding from the center under flared nostrils, and the circular eyes are inlaid with shimmering nacre discs. This talisman likely served the same protective function as the Tekoteko architectural carvings, but as a portable amulet. Tekoteko are tiki figures or faces carved to represent tribal ancestors that watch over the tribe and these carvings are often placed at the gable or entrance of Maori buildings as protection. Size: 2" L x 1.125" W (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#168535
Condition
Minor surface abrasions and nicks to wood. Chip to abalone shell eyes, otherwise intact and very good with a dark patina on wood.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
19th C. Maori Tekoteko (Protective Gable Figure Tiki)
Estimate $400 - $600
4 bidders are watching this item.
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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