Oceania, New Zealand, Maori peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A well-preserved model canoe, hand-carved from sumptuous hardwood of a deep brown hue. The lengthy canoe features integral side walls decorated with two registers of incised chevron motifs in opposite directions, and four rectangular seat platforms are bound to the peripheries with lengths of twisted thread. Both the front and back prows are also attached via bound threads, and the back features densely incised vertical bars around the base and projecting back column. The frontal prow displays a minimalist maskette on the top bearing a pair of inlaid abalone shell eyes, and two spirals on either side are significant Maori symbols which demonstrate the cyclical perpetuity of birth, death, and rebirth. Accompanying the model are five petaloid paddles incised with zigzagging triangular registers as well as a red-hued wooden canoe bailer. Each component is finely preserved and enveloped in lustrous patina. Size: 35.8" L x 5.75" W x 7.875" H (90.9 cm x 14.6 cm x 20 cm); 10.9" H (27.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Canoe models like this example were created to visualize future design improvements while using minimal materials as the Maori held trees and nature in general in high reverence. Maori wood carving is an incredible art form, its practitioners rightly recognized as masters. Their woodcarving tradition lasted in many areas into the later nineteenth century despite colonization and missionaries. Carving schools in several areas of the country kept the Maori tradition alive. Carvers used local trees, and a prayer known as a karakia would be said prior to cutting them down, thus showing respect for the forest.

Provenance: ex-Aguttes auction, Paris, France (April 6, 2017, lot 409)

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#152649

Small loss to attachment arm of back boat prow. Minor nicks and abrasions to boat, prows, paddles, and canoe bailer, with light softening to some incised details, light encrustations to boat and abalone inlays, and fading to red pigment of scoop. Light earthen deposits and fantastic patina throughout.