Boîte à trésor, Maori, Nouvelle-Zélande

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. One of the head-handle has been glued.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette boîte wakahuia se distingue par son volume exceptionnel. Destinée à conserver les ornements en néphrite et les plumes précieuses de l'oiseau huia qui ornaient la tête des chefs Maori, elle était suspendue au faîtage, dévoilant ainsi la beauté de sa panse gravée. Chaque extrémité est ponctuée par un imposant tiki finement sculpté, dont la tension des courbes accentue la puissance de la tête projetée en haut relief, formant les poignées. Profonde patine d'usage, brun rouge.