A fine Maori lidded box, New Zealand

wakahuia, of hollowed elliptical form, the lid and vessel carved in relief with two opposing male and female tiki figures with inset black-lip pearl oyster (pinctada margaritifera) eyes at each end; old label on inside of lid printed 'Beasley Collection.' and inscribed 'New Zealand. 618 11-3-1912' with black ink; thick deep brown, glossy patina.

William Oldman, London
Harry G. Beasley (1881 - 1939), Chislehurst, England, 1912
John J. Klejman, New York
Acquired from the above on June 10, 1973

Good condition overall; minor surface abrasion to the base; outside surface varnished.
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.

Wooden boxes with rich carved decoration such as the present lot were owned by Maori chiefs. In traditional times, the head of a Maori chief was believed to be especially sacred, or tapu. Any item that touched his head and neck was also believed to be sacred, and touching it could harm other people if they were not of equivalent rank. Valuable family heirlooms, including the tail feathers of the huia bird (worn in the hair as a sign of rank), combs and nephrite ear and neck pendants were therefore deposited in a wakahuia, which was hung from the rafters of the chief's house, so as not to be touched by anyone. Many Maori boxes are carved as elaborately on the underside as on the top, as this was the part seen from below (Wardwell 1995: 210 and Mead 1984: 183).