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Lot 204:
Description
A carved wooden model of a Maori waka taua, or war canoe, featuring an intricately carved prow known as a tauihu and a tall, openwork sternpost termed a taurapa. The piece is decorated throughout in a traditional whakairo style, with the hull displaying incised curvilinear and geometric motifs. These patterns are further embellished with multiple circular iridescent shell inlays, likely paua. A series of wooden cross-thwarts are lashed across the gunwales using natural fibre cord. The model is mounted on a separate, stepped rectangular wooden base with matching carved details along the edges. No maker’s marks or signatures are visible on the object. The interior of the hull contains a small plastic packet of unidentified accessories.
Condition report:
The item is in good overall condition. There is minor fraying and loosening observed on the natural fibre lashings. The wooden surfaces show light superficial wear consistent with age and display. All shell inlays appear to be present and intact.
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