Featured I think bone carving mounted on wood base

The wood base and carving had been drilled and mounted with the metal rods.
Mikey

 

That is unfortunate.
One of the basic rules of museum mounts is that the artifact cannot be altered in any way - one of the reasons that mounts are typically custom made for each object.

 

It's possible, maybe even likely, that the piece is modern, and that the method of mounting was intentional, for gallery presentation as indigenous sculpture.

Maybe there's a look-up for current Maori artists producing traditionally themed carvings.

 

I didn't know it was what you are calling museum mount. I figured who ever made it mounted it.
Mikey

 

No, I meant to make a distinction between the mounts designed by professional mount makers and used in museum exhibitions, and other types that may be made by artists or others. I would not consider what you have a "museum quality" mount, as the object has been modified/damaged.

 

If this was a stand-alone ancient artifact, then I would agree, but I don't know that there's any grounds to believe that. I think this is most probably mounted exactly the way the carver intended it to be mounted.

Assuming this to be Maori, you would want someone with specialty knowledge of that art, past and present, to chime in with an opinion.

 

Agree but is there someone with that knowledge here?
Mikey

 

It is a relatively modern piece, probably late 70s or later, and made that way so it could be displayed.
Mikey is right, the stand could have been made by the artist, otherwise commisioned by the artist. Either way, they are sold this way.

If you want a more precise time frame, you could ask the kind people at Te Papa Museum in Wellington NZ, they have been very helpful to me in the past.

 

I am no specialist, but I do have an idea of timelines etc.

 

It’s a very cool item. Will you be keeping it Mikey?

 

It could be challenging & fun to attempt brazing a custom (non-invasive) museum mount.Generally when you take a college course you get most or all the instruction,facilities & equipment thrown.
*** If you take the course at school-less danger of burning your garage down !
Seniors at our local community college can register for FREE w/ a nominal materials cost.I'm sure lots of us have piles of fine pieces stuffed in attics & closets.Hell,if you sold the item,the stand would be a big selling point (to me at least).

 

My thoughts exactly. It is what it is!
@Boland No I will be selling it. Besides I just don't have the room for another collection!
Mikey

 

I hear you! Well this was a very interesting find and thread. Thanks

 

No, Thank you all for helping me out with all my finds!
Mikey