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Lot 2

Copal variety "Kauri Gum"

7 December 2016, 10:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$750 inc. premium

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Copal variety "Kauri Gum"

New Zealand
100,000 years old

Kauri Gum is the fossilized resin or sap of the Kauri Tree (Agates australis). These enormous trees produce vast amounts of sap which congeal into lumps when the tree is injured. The sap hardens into a resin and becomes a form of Copal. Copal was used by the Maori as a chewing gum and firestarter, and the ashes of burnt kauri gum were utilized to make the 'ink' used in facial (moko) tattooing. New Zealand copal is much rarer than Baltic amber. No new supplies are available and very little remains outside of museums. The present specimen is large and is an excellent example of its type. Measuring 9 x 3 3/4 x 2 3/4in

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