Battle axe "patiti" · New Zealand, Maori · ID: 3050885
sold
EUR 5,000
Provenance
Christie’s South Kensington, 4 July 1990, Lot 269Alexander Kubetz (1946-2023), Munich, Germany
Size
H: 58,5 cm
H: 23.0 inch
Description
wood, iron, base
The shaft of this axe is extremely skilfully carved with intricate designs. It is adorned with three figures and two anthropomorphic heads. The iron blade is of European origin and was acquired in the trade (illegible engraving “Mo…2”).
These weapons were used for close, hand-to-hand fighting, in which Maori warriors became adept.
Comparing literature
Kaeppler, Adrienne, Polynesia, Honolulu 2010, p. 353