Oceania, New Zealand, Maori, ca. early to mid-20th century CE; Hawaiian Islands, ca. mid-20th century CE. This is a fine paua shell and woven fiber necklace, and a hand-carved wood and horsehair vintage tiki maskette. The necklace is a choker length comprised of a tightly woven fiber band with a loop and button closure- the disc made from paua (abalone) shell with a shimmering nacre surface. The paua shards are likely cut to symbolize whale teeth then pierced and sewn to the cord with petite black stone beads threaded through the perforations. A stunning piece perfect for displaying in a well-lit area for the sunlight to dazzle across! The tiki face is decorative, the visage comprised of characteristic stylized features: a grimacing mouth, flared nostrils, and bulging eyes under a dramatic V shaped brow. Attached to the forehead is a thick shock of black horsehair secured via a tightly woven bottom, and the verso is slightly concave with a cord for suspension. Size (mask): 10.5" L x 3" W (26.7 cm x 7.6 cm); (necklace): 14.75" L x 1.5" W (37.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#170438

Maskette is excellent with only surface wear to wood- a few nicks and a smooth patina. Hair is tightly attached and is matted with straw or plant material. Fraying to a shell dangling near closure and needs to be reinforced and could be easily repaired with thread. Loss to half a shell and some nicks to others. Not recommended for wearing due to fragile nature of woven fibers.