JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 27 October 2026 / 10:00 am start
A late 19thC Māori whalebone heru (hair comb) attributed to Patoromu Tamatea,
Realised: $4,600 plus premium
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. Family provenance: Came from Moeraki on the North Otago Coast, about 70 years ago. Registered Y 21150. Must be a registered collector to purchase.
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