**Originally Listed At $400**

Oceania, Melanesia, Vanuatu, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely example of a hand-carved wooden taro root pounder, of naturally serpentine form, that is covered in lustrous, smooth layers of russet and espresso-hued patina. The body of the tool features a gradually widening profile until terminating at the convex beater head, and the handle bears protruding ringlets that increased the user's grip. The tip of the handle features several incised striations that radiate out from its center, and the tail ends in a gently forked tip. Size: 20.8" L x 1.6" W (52.8 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142256

Chips to tail end, with a few stable hairline fissures to handle, tail, and body, and wear around beater head commensurate with age and use, otherwise intact and very good. Fantastic patina and smooth surface textures throughout.