**Originally Listed At $500**

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An expertly carved wooden abstract anthropomorphic wheku face with nacre shell disc eyes. The abstract visage is relief carved with a flattened verso, the open mouth has a tongue protruding from the center to represent communication and connection, and nearly every square inch is extensively decorated with incised linear, ridged, and curvilinear channels all arranged in a symmetrical manner to create a balanced composition. Wheku figures represent tribal ancestors that watch over the tribe and these carvings are often placed at the gable or entrance of Maori buildings as protection. Size: 5.5" L x 2" W (14 cm x 5.1 cm)

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

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#174018

Intact and very good, with minor surface wear and nicks. Nice patina throughout.