ETHNOGRAPHIC ARTEFACTS & NZ HISTORICAL
Tuesday, 21 April - Monday, 4 May 2026
An early 20thC carved Māori tekoteko,
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Lot Details
the standing three-dimensional male figure with pronounced moustache and 'mutton chop' sideburns partially covering his facial moko. Naturalistically represented rather than stylistically, as being the commission or current fashion at that time. His hands with knobbly fingers, clasped to his front holding a flute. He wears a piupiu in a geometric pattern, the scrolling waist band with stylised mask to the front. A lizard carved lying between his legs. Dark stained with pale highlights. H.800mm. Vendor's provenance: Ex. Sir Ernest Davis's (Hancock's) Rotorua Grand Hotel. Being the second hotel built after the fire of the first hotel (1905). The second hotel was built on the same site. In 1973 (December): This second iteration of the Grand Hotel also succumbed to a massive fire. Note: Elements of this carving reflect the work of Tene Waitere's style of European commissions. With regards to Tene, it is recorded 'He carved massive mantelpieces in the Grand Hotel, Auckland, and the Grand Hotel, Rotorua'. It is recorded that 'The combination of traditional elements with influences from European art can only be found in the works that Tene produced for European clients. He used these commissions to explore new compositional principles.' This and the following lot apparently sat either side of the fireplace in the Rotorua Grand Hotel's main lounge. Acquired by our vendors in 1978 through their connection with Mollie Carr, Sir Ernest Davis's daughter.
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