JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 27 October 2026 / 10:00 am start

Lot 0021 « Prev Lot View All Lots Next Lot »

A late 19thC Māori whalebone heru (hair comb) by Patoromu Tamatea,

Estimate $2,200 - $4,400
Looking for a starting bid of $1,800 (0 bids)

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Lot Details

finely detailed with stylised mask and notch detail, paua inset eyes, 8 present, 2 absent, 10 tines to the comb. H.140mm. Note: Patoromu Tamatea was of the Ngāti Tamateautahi hapu of Ngāti Pikiao. A well respected 19thC carver of canoes and more. He completed many commissions including a figure-supported bowl for Sir George Grey. His friendship with Gilbert Mair saw further commissions including the carving of a famous Māori style Madonna and child for Roman Catholic church built at Ruapeka Bay, Ohinemutu, in 1890. Y 21150. Registered. Must be a registered collector to purchase.

A late 19thC Māori whalebone heru (hair comb) by Patoromu Tamatea, Image 1++
A late 19thC Māori whalebone heru (hair comb) by Patoromu Tamatea, Image 1++
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