New Zealand Collection

Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24

Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24

Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24

This listing is for an Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture Cast-Read 24 & Heavy. It comes from an extremely impressive estate collection in western Pennsylvania which featured high end antiques from all around the world. This is an extremely high quality piece, and obviously old, but what was stumping me was that it is not carved wood- as is traditional- but instead a kind of pottery like material. I have recently found some interesting information that I think solves this mystery.

In the British Museum collection there is one exactly like this tekoteko dating from the early 19th century, and in the New Zealand National Museum there is one of a similar material as mine (all 3 are of same dimensions). The description for the new Zealands website image of theirs is This cast was commissioned by Augustus Hamilton, Dominion Museum Director from 1903 - 1913 when he died.

He wanted to repatriate taonga of Maori art as permanent examples of Maori history. He contacted the British Museum in 1904 to ask for several plaster casts to be made of taonga in the collection, and again asked for more casts in 1909 making a total of at least 40 casts made and sent to Hamilton's specifications based on his book'Hamilton's Maori Art' and'Edge-Partington's Ethnographical Series. Brucciani and Company to the finest standards. It is likely one of if not the only one in private hands outside a museum, making it an exceptional item for collectors to display. The design is excellent for many rooms and a large variety of decor styles. The size is perfect to command the eye without overwhelming a room. It makes this an excellent staple piece for your collection, one your friends definitely won't have! A great collectors item, for use display gifting or decor. It is in good condition, with no major damage. Has minor typical wear see photos. Thank you for your consideration, I appreciate your time. Comes as shown, please see photos for details and measurements.
Excellent Antique Maori Tekoteko Ancestral Sculpture British Mus. Cast-Read 24