Maori: New Zealand's First Inhabitants

Maori, an exhibition first organized by Museum Volkenkunde Leiden, is now on view at the Linden Museum in Stuttgart.  Through an assemblage of 140 antique and contempoary works, the exhibition explores the Maori concepts of mana and tapu, and invites visitors to sound the depth of Maori culture, both in the past and the 21st century.

View the official website.

Pendant, hei tiki  -  19th century

Whalebone club with manaia finial, kotiate  -  19th century

Flax cloak, tukukakumai  -  Kohai Grace, 21st century

War club, taiaha  -  19th century

Bone flute, nguru  -  19th century

Panel carving (poupou) depicting the demigod Maui

Information and images courtesy of the Linden Museum, Stuttgart

Bonhams Tribal Auction Sale Results Are Weak

The African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art auction held in San Francisco today resulted in weak sales. Only 138 lots sold, less than 50% of the lots on offer and only 3 lots exceeded $20,000. Lot 4108, a beautiful hei tiki fetched an impressive $45,750 (including buyer's commission). Lot 4008, a fine Tapuanu gable mask from Satawan Atoll, Mortlock Islands fetched $33,550(including buyer's commission). The poor results are a combination of mediocre material and very cautious buyers.


4108 A Maori nephrite neck pendent, hei tiki, Rotorua area, North Island, New Zealand -$45,750

4008 A Tapuanu gable mask, Satawan Atoll, Mortlock Islands- $33,550