Scale model of a Maori war canoe made of wood,...

Scale model of a Maori war canoe made of wood, fibers, mother-of-pearl, and pigments, The bow is carved in the round with a Tiki head grimacing in defiance, its eyes inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl discs; behind it is a second Tiki figure carved with an open mouth and protruding tongue, mirroring this defiant stance, its eyes inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl discs; the hull is entirely carved with geometric, curvilinear, and undulating patterns that echo the surging waves of the ocean. The side panels are attached to the canoe’s hull with plant-fiber cords and held together by crossbars; they are entirely carved with geometric patterns and each adorned with five Tiki figures with open mouths and tongues sticking out in a defiant gesture, their eyes inlaid with mother-of-pearl (some missing pieces); the fragmentary stern features a symmetrical repetition of the carved tiki figure and the geometric and curvilinear motifs, 19th century, New Zealand, East Cape of the North Island. Length approx. 210 cm. (Four separate wooden pieces are included with the set.) Damage and missing sections.