A VINTAGE FIJI ISLANDS SPLIT SPERM WHALE TOOTH NECKLACE/WASEKASEKA,, POSSIBLY MELA, FIRST HALF 20TH CENTURY, comprising twenty nine curved whale tooth sections carved as tapering tusk form pendants, each pierced and suspended from a hemp-like braided string necklace, length: 10". NOTE: This whale tooth necklace was purchased from the Carlebach Gallery in November of 1957. A virtually identical Fiji Islands carved whale tooth necklace was sold Christie's, Amsterdam, Sale 2454 Tribal Art, May 24, 2000, lot 213, $5,923.

Hemp like braided string is dry and brittle in areas, right end section with two tusks has separated and needs reattaching, pendant teeth have nice shades of golden yellow patina, minor old cracks, surface marks, scratches and small chips, fiber necklace center and back were professionally restored in 1968. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."