Cook Island Adze-Polynesian Art-Oceanic Art
Ceremonial adzes from the Cook Islands were primarily carved on Mangaia and were called “toki.” They were prestige objects and the prerogative of master carvers who performed rituals to enlist the grace of the god Tane before starting his work. This example has a beautiful dark brown patina on the intricately carved shaft, fine wraps of sennit binding the very fine flat black blade. Note there are old breaks to the sennit on the top edge. The piece comes from Chicago private collection and is on the market for the first time in 50 years. It dates to the mid 19th century or before, is 24 5/8” (62.3 cm) in height. SOLD