A Large Maori Hand Club (patu paraoa) New Zealand, c. 1750-1800 Large broad blade with short grip. Handle pierced at center for attachment of wrist thong. Carved from a large piece of whalebone, now with a glossy golden patina from great age and extensive use as a weapon and heirloom. An old sticker near the handle inscribed "E.B. Williams / Trustees", and further inscribed "3387 / Dep." in ink on bone near hole in handle. In very good condition, two parallel cavities on one side are part of the bone itself, original to the piece, traces of a blue green pigment on the handle and one side of blade. Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1994 Wayne Heathcote Estate of E. B. Williams, Hastings, NZ Length: 18 ¼ inches HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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