Massue courte, Maori, Nouvelle-Zélande

patu pounamou, en néphrite polie, la lame épousant la forme classique d'une spatule. La poignée de section ovale, gravée d'une série d'ellipses, est percée d'un large orifice destiné à la suspendre au poignet du guerrier, par une corde - aujourd'hui disparue. Très beau poli, d'une belle couleur verte, veinée.

Collection Baudouin de Grunne, Bruxelles

Excellent condition overall. A very few tiny losses along the bottom edge of the blade.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Armes de combats rapprochés et symboles d'autorité, les massues courtes (patu) étaient transmises de génération en génération, en lignée paternelle. Celles en pierre verte ou néphrite, dite pounamou ("trésor vert"), étaient réservées à l'usage exclusif des chefs (Mead, 1985 : 225).