Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Stone Obsidian Spearhead ("Nihomango") - 11.5 cm
04
days
19
hours
33
minutes
15
seconds
Current bid
€ 300
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 800 - € 1,000
 | €300 |
|---|
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Obsidian spearhead called “Nihomango” from Easter Island (Rapa Nui), dating to the Pre-Contact Period (c. 12th–17th century AD), made of stone, measuring 11.5 cm by 10 cm and in Fair condition, with provenance from the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Complete and exceptionally well-preserved obsidian spearhead of the Nihomango type, characteristic of the pre-contact culture of Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The piece displays the typical elongated, tapering tang designed for hafting into a wooden shaft, together with a broad blade carefully shaped by fine pressure flaking, characteristic of functional hunting and ceremonial spears.
The surface exhibits clear conchoidal flake scars with regular pressure retouch along both cutting edges, a technological hallmark of this distinctive tool type. The obsidian is deep black, homogeneous, and of high quality, displaying a glossy vitreous surface with a subtle metallic sheen along the flaked edges.
On Rapa Nui, spearheads of this type were used both as practical weapons and as symbols of prestige and social status. Given the highly developed ceremonial traditions of the island, it is possible that this example also fulfilled a ritual or symbolic function in addition to its practical use.
Well-preserved nihomango spearheads are highly sought after due to their excellent craftsmanship and their association with one of the world's most remarkable prehistoric island cultures.
Condition:
Complete and in excellent condition. Fine sharp edges with no visible modern damage or recent flaking. Attractive archaeological surface with authentic age-related patina and weathering. An excellent technological and aesthetic example of a complete nihomango spearhead.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateComplete and exceptionally well-preserved obsidian spearhead of the Nihomango type, characteristic of the pre-contact culture of Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The piece displays the typical elongated, tapering tang designed for hafting into a wooden shaft, together with a broad blade carefully shaped by fine pressure flaking, characteristic of functional hunting and ceremonial spears.
The surface exhibits clear conchoidal flake scars with regular pressure retouch along both cutting edges, a technological hallmark of this distinctive tool type. The obsidian is deep black, homogeneous, and of high quality, displaying a glossy vitreous surface with a subtle metallic sheen along the flaked edges.
On Rapa Nui, spearheads of this type were used both as practical weapons and as symbols of prestige and social status. Given the highly developed ceremonial traditions of the island, it is possible that this example also fulfilled a ritual or symbolic function in addition to its practical use.
Well-preserved nihomango spearheads are highly sought after due to their excellent craftsmanship and their association with one of the world's most remarkable prehistoric island cultures.
Condition:
Complete and in excellent condition. Fine sharp edges with no visible modern damage or recent flaking. Attractive archaeological surface with authentic age-related patina and weathering. An excellent technological and aesthetic example of a complete nihomango spearhead.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Century/timeframe
Pre-Contact Period, c. 12th–17th Century AD
Name of object
Obsidian Spearhead ("Nihomango")
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
1950
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
11.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2006
Width
10 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
