Massue de guerre, îles Fidji, Polynésie occidentale

culacula, en bois dur (Casuarina equisetifolia), d'une belle forme élancée, le manche cylindrique, le sommet s'élargissant en pale de pagaie au contour crénelé. Le décor gravé d'un motif gaufré caractéristique est animé de deux soleils rayonnants à la base, traversé par deux nervures en relief, dont une bordée de chevrons. Belle patine brune, nuancée, brillante sur le manche.

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Minor old losses - to tip and outer edges of finial at widest point. Some very fine hairline cracks - longest on shaft, approximately 44cm.
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.

cf. Phelps (1976 : 204, n°892) pour un exemplaire comparable conservé dans la collection James Hooper, et Sotheby's (Paris, 7 décembre 2005, n° 4) pour une autre à décor similaire.