Argentina, ca. 1500 CE, Mapuche culture. A fine dark hardstone "Toki" or clava - a ceremonial scepter. One-piece construction with simple rounded handle, crescent-shaped head incised with star pattern and central raised "eye." This is a very fine example showing great age and usage! Custom stand. Size: 6.5" W x 11.75" H (16.5 cm x 29.8 cm).

Their significance, function, and period of manufacture is still unknown. They were probably insignias of authority that originated in Chile or Argentina, and indeed similar implements are wielded by human figures in the art of the La Aguada people of northwest Argentina. Some clavas bear an intriguing similarity to the Polynesian staff of command, which raises questions about their possible origin that archaeology has not yet answered.

Provenance: Ex private Harrisburg, PA, USA collection acquired before 1995 from a private Argentina collection formed in 1950's

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#124778

Wear and old edge chips as shown