Maori Fishing Lures-Polynesian Art-Oceanic Art
This is a set of fine and early Maori “matau” fishing lures with glowing iridescent “paua” shell attached to hardwood bodies and human bone barbed hooks. Two still have flax fiber attached. The middle example has an old collection number “138” painted in white on the backside. The set come from the estate of Lynda Cunningham and date to the early 19th century. Left one is 3 5/8” (9.2 cm), middle is 4” (10 cm) and right is 3 ¼” (8.3 cm) in length. SOLD