- 52
Marquesan Club, Marquesas Islands
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- wood
- Length: 54 1/2 inches (138.4 cm)
Provenance
Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner in London, at either Colnagi or Spinks, in the 1920s
Condition
Intact condition. Age cracks and chipping around edges of head. One old chip to pointed edge of crossbar, patinated over. The side not shown in catalogue illustration with a 7 inch age crack to one side, approximately 3 inches of which is an open loss of about 1/4 inch width. Some minor cracks and flaws in wood throughout shaft. Vertical age cracks, scratches, and small losses to small end of club. Some small knots in head. Fine aged dark brown patina with encrustation. Surface is dry in places, particularly on the head. Partial old label with printed number "5" on top of club, and residue from another label, now lost.
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
In 1900, Paul Gauguin observed: "In the Marquesan especially there is an unparalleled sense of decoration. Give him a subject even of the most ungainly geometrical forms and he will succeed in keeping the whole harmonious and in leaving no displeasing or incongruous spaces. The basis is the human body or the face, especially the face. One is astonished to find a face where one thought there was nothing but a strange geometric figure. Always the same thing, yet never the same thing" (Wardwell 1967: 41).
Carol S. Ivory (in Kjellgren 2005) notes: "Warfare was an integral part of Marquesan life. Weapons included slings, spears, and war clubs made of ironwood, a heavy, dense wood the Marquesans called toa, which was also the word for "warrior." One type of club, the 'u'u, an effective weapon in hand to hand combat, also served as a symbol of
prestige for chiefs and warriors."
The present finely-carved 'u'u is of considerable age. Of particular note is the plasticity of intricate relief carving below the crossbar which relates to Marquesan tattooing decoration.
Carol S. Ivory (in Kjellgren 2005) notes: "Warfare was an integral part of Marquesan life. Weapons included slings, spears, and war clubs made of ironwood, a heavy, dense wood the Marquesans called toa, which was also the word for "warrior." One type of club, the 'u'u, an effective weapon in hand to hand combat, also served as a symbol of
prestige for chiefs and warriors."
The present finely-carved 'u'u is of considerable age. Of particular note is the plasticity of intricate relief carving below the crossbar which relates to Marquesan tattooing decoration.