Pédale d'échasse, Îles Marquises, Polynésie

Collection privée, Londres
Transmis par descendance 

Very good condition overall. The carving with soft relief and deep brown glossy patina show the great age of this stilt step. A thin crack running from the chest to the foot on the proper left hand side of the figure. Wear is consistent with age and use within the culture.
"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."

Si la figure du tiki constitue un canon dans l’iconographie des créations marquisiennes, « les tiki d’échasses occupent une position à part du fait de leur ornementation gravée. Ils portent un bandeau frontal en relief et sont entièrement couverts, sur toutes les parties du corps, de gravures, principalement en chevrons ou en guillochis parallèle » (Von den Steinen, Les marquisiens et leur art. L’ornementation primitive des mers du Sud, 1928, II, p. 137).

Témoignant des sources originelles de la culture marquisienne, cet étrier se distingue par la sobriété de la sculpture et l'élégance du décor à motifs géométriques.