- 95
A fine Rapa Nui long-handled staff, Easter Island
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
ua, the janiform finial with inset textile cone shell (conus textile) and obsidian eyes above the long flat shaft; fine reddish brown patina.
Provenance
Mathias L. J. Lemaire, Amsterdam
Acquired from the above on August 19, 1969
Condition
Good condition overall; fine age crack through one face, eyes possibly restored; remnants of old label at the base.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
According to Heyerdahl (1975: 199), the "double-headed ua is variously described as a ceremonial staff occasionally employed as a fighting weapon, or as a long-handled club normally carried as a badge of rank. [...] Ua were in some instances preserved in sheaths made from totora reed." For a related example cf. Sotheby's, Paris, December 5, 2007, lot 109.