Ceremonial staff (atua rakau) made of carved wood with a...
Ceremonial staff (atua rakau) made of carved wood with a brown patina; the smooth shaft is topped by two stylized figures leaning against each other and forming a hollow space; they have protruding bellies and round heads with pointed chins, showing signs of wear; Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 19th century; L. 170 cm. Minor damage and a missing head; signs of wear at the base. This carving is similar in style to a ceremonial paddle sold at a public auction by Guy Loudmer on June 25–26, 1992.
Ceremonial staff (atua rakau) made of carved wood with a brown patina; the smooth shaft is topped by two stylized figures leaning against each other and forming a hollow space; they have protruding bellies and round heads with pointed chins, showing signs of wear; Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 19th century; L. 170 cm. Minor damage and a missing head; signs of wear at the base. This carving is similar in style to a ceremonial paddle sold at a public auction by Guy Loudmer on June 25–26, 1992.
