PANDANUS LEAF BEATER ‡
MARSHALL ISLANDS, 19TH CENTURY
£5,040
Classical Ancient Art // Form Through Time
Auction: Form Through Time - 21st March 2024 at 2pm
Description
carved and polished tridacna shell, in the form of a bulb, rising from a cylindrical shaft into a rounded body with curved head, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
Length: 26cm
Provenance
Provenance:
Private collection, France
Private collection, Netherlands (acquired from the above)
Footnote
Note:
The present piece is a rare example of a pounder from the Marshall Islands executed in shell as opposed to wood. Such items were used during the process of making plaited coconut fibre mats, but, being made of such a precious material, were also kept as family keepsakes and passed through generations.
Its simple, harmonious form is reminiscent of modern sculptors exploring themes of form, colour and texture.
For a similar example, please see; Sotheby’s, New York, 16th May 2008, African Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art, lot 42 (sold for $73,000 inc. premium).