- 48
Maori Bird Snare Perch, New Zealand
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description
- wood
- Height: 9 in (22.9 cm)
mutu kaka
Provenance
Caledonian Market, London
James Hooper, Arundel, acquired at the above in 1934
Christie's, London, July 3, 1990, lot 120
Lynda Cunningham, New York, acquired at the above auction
James Hooper, Arundel, acquired at the above in 1934
Christie's, London, July 3, 1990, lot 120
Lynda Cunningham, New York, acquired at the above auction
Literature
Steven Phelps, Art and Artefacts of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas: the James Hooper Collection, London, 1976, p. 34. pl. 3, no. 13
Condition
Good condition overall. Minor chips, nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout, consistent with age and use. A thin crack to the proper left side of the figure's face. A hairline crack to the proper left side of the chest and the proper left leg. A few other minor cracks and a hole to the top of the figure's head, emerging at the back of the head. Losses to the fibre binding. Fine varied dark brown patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Bird catching was a revered activity in Maori society and was performed with a number of different techniques and pieces of equipment. This particular perch, called mutu kaka, lured birds into captivity by way of a looped snare connected to the device. Hunters would plant tools like this one on the ground or in trees and wait for native birds, such as the kaka and the kereru, to land on them. Upon the birds' arrival, the catchers would activate the snare to trap the birds' feet to the perch and prevent them from flying away. Once they killed the captured birds, the Maori consumed the meat, and used the feathers to make highly valued cloaks.