Birdman Moai Statue - Rapa Nui - Easter Island
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 Bidder 8245 | €245 | |
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| Bidder 8245 | €205 | |
| Bidder 8245 | €185 | |
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Wooden Moai Tangata Manu statue from Easter Island (Rapa Nui), 23 cm high, provenance private collection, authentic original, in good condition, dating to the late 20th century.
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Description from the seller
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is famous for its imposing stone moai, but its sculptural tradition also extends to wooden works, just as fascinating. The wooden statues, less known but just as significant, were carved in toromiro or other local woods. They often represented stylized human figures, deities or ancestors, and played a central role in the rituals and spiritual life of the Rapa Nui.
These sculptures, smaller and more fragile than their stone counterparts, were often adorned with geometric motifs or symbols related to the island's local mythology. Some depicted hybrid characters, blending human and animal traits, reflecting the island's rich cosmogony. Their preservation is rarer due to natural degradation of the wood, but those that remain offer a valuable insight into the craftsmanship and creativity of the ancient Rapa Nui.
Contrary to the moai, these wooden works were probably destined for a more intimate use, related to ceremonies or shamanic practices. Studying them helps better understand the artistic and cultural diversity of this island civilization, whose heritage continues to captivate the world.
Introduction to our expertise house
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A reference seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% customer satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve prices.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is famous for its imposing stone moai, but its sculptural tradition also extends to wooden works, just as fascinating. The wooden statues, less known but just as significant, were carved in toromiro or other local woods. They often represented stylized human figures, deities or ancestors, and played a central role in the rituals and spiritual life of the Rapa Nui.
These sculptures, smaller and more fragile than their stone counterparts, were often adorned with geometric motifs or symbols related to the island's local mythology. Some depicted hybrid characters, blending human and animal traits, reflecting the island's rich cosmogony. Their preservation is rarer due to natural degradation of the wood, but those that remain offer a valuable insight into the craftsmanship and creativity of the ancient Rapa Nui.
Contrary to the moai, these wooden works were probably destined for a more intimate use, related to ceremonies or shamanic practices. Studying them helps better understand the artistic and cultural diversity of this island civilization, whose heritage continues to captivate the world.
Introduction to our expertise house
Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A reference seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% customer satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve prices.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Birdman Moai Statue
Ethnic group/ culture
Rapa Nui
Country of Origin
Easter Island
Period
Late 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
23 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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