Lot 91
  • 91

Maori Gable Ornament Figure, New Zealand

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • wood
  • Height: 26 1/8 inches (71.4 cm)

Provenance

Collected in situ by Major General J.H. Laye, CB, CVO, between 1845 and 1847
Museum of the Northamptonshire Regiment, Abington Park, United Kingdom, acquired as a bequest from the above in 1938
Sotheby's, London, November 30, 1982, lot 86, consigned by the above
Private Collection, New York, acquired at the above auction

Condition

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, dents and small chips consistent with age. Age cracks, including a vertical open crack at center reverse of head. Minor worm holes. Knots and flaws in the wood. Some nail holes from previous mounting. Shell inlay missing from proper right eye. Open age cracks through forearms. Old chip to tip of nose. Fine aged glossy dark brown patina. With a European wall mount presumably from the Museum of the Northamptonshire Regiment, Abington Park, United Kingdom, with typewritten label: "NEW ZEALAND WAR GOD / Bequeathed by Major General J H Laye CB CRVO."
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

According to David Simmons (personal communication, March 2015), the subject of this finely-carved gable peak figure is the same individual represented in an illustration by George French Angas in his 1847 publication The New Zealanders Illustrated.  He identifies the sitter of that portrait as Ko Te Riria Waikato (Tairea) Whareherehere, Te Arikinui Ko Huiarau (d. 1860), paramount Chief of the United Tribes (see Simmons and Te Riria 1989: 20).