Artist:Maori
Medium: Wood
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:18th or 19th century
Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (16.5 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm)
Collections:
Accession Number: 74.124
Image: 74.124_bw_SL3.jpg,
Catalogue Description: Wooden head with elaborate curvilinear incised moko (tattoo) marks on the entire surface of the face. The wood is a dark brown and a glossy patina. The nose, eyes, and mouth are indicated. Carved on the back of the head is a complete manaia figure in relief. The profile head of the manaia is bird-like with a beak shaped mouth and two fang-like teeth indicated. The arms are outstretched and terminate in claw-like hands with three fingers on each hand. The torso is that of a human. The thighs are feather-like in shape and the legs are in a crouched position. The head, arms, and thighs all have elaborate curvilinear incised markings. Condition: Very good. The lower part of the left leg has been broken off. There is a drilled hole (probably for mounting) in the base of the manaia figure. There is a fairly deep square hole in the top back of the head, and a small square shaped area is also missing just above this. There are nicks and checks on the back of the head, and nicks on the manaia figure. Ex-collection (?): piece has 963 painted in red on neck.