18TH C. MAORI BASALT PATU

Origin:  Polynesia, New Zealand, Maori People     (Provenance: Acquired from the oceanic weapon collection of Ron Grey, Los Angeles)

Period/Date: 18th Century or earlier

Materials:  made from ground and polished close grain Basalt

Description:  Here's a very early basalt "patu" presented on a custom metal stand.  What makes this club unique is that the craftsman didn't quite finish it!  The butt is not tapered, groped and pierced.  These clubs were carved by specialist carvers and if the carver while in the midst of carving, died or was killed, the object would remain intentionally uncompleted.  Hence, it would be imbued with an extra sense of "Mana".  This cultural aspect makes the club rare.  It would have been kept and revered for generations.  It has some minor old chips around the head as might be expected on a piece this old. 

Dimensions:   Height 11.75"  (30 cm), Width 3.75"  (9.5 cm)

Price: SOLD