Oceania, Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia), ca. 18th century CE. An interesting stone anthropomorphic figure, depicted kneeling, with long legs that fold back over themselves. The hands reach forward above the knees, with three broad, articulated fingers nearly meeting at the center. A round head with disc-shaped, deeply drilled eyes, a long slit for a mouth, and multiple deep grooves that give the impression of age complete the figure. This is a form of tiki, a carving of a mythical ancestral being, one of the most well-known forms of art from Polynesia. Size: 2.25" L x 1.25" W x 3.25" H (5.7 cm x 3.2 cm x 8.3 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

A Marquesas Islands stone tiki figure sold at Christie's in 1997 for $9200: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-marquesas-islands-stone-figure-tiki-316483-details.aspx

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California USA collection

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#133615

Dark patina from age and handling that contrasts nicely with the pale white of the original stone in the figure's grooves. Small chips and nicks from surface commensurate with age.