Lot 82A

Fine 19th C. Maori Wood Wahaika Club - Tiki & Paua Shell

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Fine 19th C. Maori Wood Wahaika Club - Tiki & Paua Shell

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,250

Starting Bid: $800

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

New Zealand, Maori, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A carved wood wahaika ceremonial club, deeply carved overall with rauponga spirals and parallel linear designs, a tiki figure in high relief along the inner edge with paua shell eyes. The butt is carved as a stylized mask with paua-inlaid roundel eyes, and a pair of shell discs is set at the top of the blade. A pierced hole at the grip served for a wrist cord. The wahaika is a traditional Maori short club used in close combat and carried as a mark of rank; wielded by chiefs and warriors, finely carved examples also served as prestige objects and orator's implements. Weapons of this type were often named and handed down through generations. Size: 4.5" W x 14" H x 1" D (11.4 cm W x 35.6 cm H x 2.5 cm D).

Provenance: private Texas, USA collection; ex-Material Culture, Pennsylvania, USA

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Item # 203989

  • Condition: Some minor chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact with nice patina.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000