Ensemble de trois massues, îles Fidji

a. totokia, le manche s'arquant à son sommet pour soutenir une tête bordée de pointes représentant le fruit du pandanus et s'achevant en un perce-sternum. L'extrémité du manche est ornée de motifs en zigzag finement gravés. Patine nuancée, brun rouge.
b. vanikau ou "tree root club", la tête jouant sur les formes irrégulières offertes par les racines du bois de fer. Le pommeau est orné de motifs en zigzag profondément gravés, ponctués par une bande de fibres de coco tressée. Patine sombre, brillante
c. vanikau ou "tree root club", la tête naissant des nodosités naturelles du bois, ornée d'incrustations en ivoire de cachalot.

Ancienne collection Ken Karner, Afrique du Sud

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within culture. a. The top with minor chips and two hairline cracks, the shaft with age cracks, four pineapple 'serrations' lacking, crack to the head of the pineapple c. Age cracks to the shaft and the handle, with wasp's nest and spider's nest b. Age cracks to the shaft, the carved zig-zag base with indigenous coconut binding
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.