Fan Handle, Marquesas Islands
tahi
height 3in (7.7cm)
Bone
"Elaborate and finely made fans were insignia of high status; the body is made from young coconut leaves or a stiff grass. Threaded on to the handle is a bone toggle (ivi po'o)...These toggles are made from a section of human long bone, preserved either as a memorial or as a trophy." (Hooper, 2006: p 160)
Ivory or bone fan handles from the Marquesas Islands are rare. This finely carved example, with two tiki figures standing back-to-back, illustrates, even in miniature form, the rich dynamics of classical Marquesan sculpture.
height 3in (7.7cm)
Bone
"Elaborate and finely made fans were insignia of high status; the body is made from young coconut leaves or a stiff grass. Threaded on to the handle is a bone toggle (ivi po'o)...These toggles are made from a section of human long bone, preserved either as a memorial or as a trophy." (Hooper, 2006: p 160)
Ivory or bone fan handles from the Marquesas Islands are rare. This finely carved example, with two tiki figures standing back-to-back, illustrates, even in miniature form, the rich dynamics of classical Marquesan sculpture.
Sold for
US$ 15,000
inc. premium
Category: Ethnographic Art / African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Fredric Backlar
Bonhams
Work
7601 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles,
90046
United States
WorkTel:
+1 323 436 5416
FaxFax: +1 323 850 5843
Specialist
-
African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art
