Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. 20th century CE. A fascinating carving: a whale tooth sculpted with the relief image of a squatting tiki figure with hands on thighs. The anthropomorphic figure displays a huge head with a stylized visage of giant, ovoid eyes, a broad nose, and an elongated mouth held open to reveal gritted teeth, all enveloped by incised striations. The exterior of the tooth has been sculpted down so that the figure appears raised from the surface. Size: 1.1" W x 3.1" H (2.8 cm x 7.9 cm)

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#174191

Stable hairline fissures to base that occur naturally in bone. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice details.