A few things I own

These are most of what I own in terms of tribal art. I have a few other pieces but did not think it worth showing.


The Easter Island birdman carving I imagine is probably early to mid 20th century? I like it's "strengh"

The other Easter Island carving belonged once to Jesús Soto's (Venezuelan artist) representative who's collection was sold off after his death. Quite difficult to ascertain anything accurate regarding this piece.

The frog pendant I am unsure as to if it is authentic tumbaga gold or not

The masquette is probably my favourite of all the things I ever owned. Feel lucky to have acquired it.

 

The small head was brought back from Mexico, it's Mayan but not 100% sure if it is stone or pottery

 

A mo‘ai kavakava is a small wooden figure of a style originated by the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island. Each figure resembles a standing, slightly stooped, male human with an emaciated body.

that's the prize here.....

 

Absolutely! I have been fascinated with all things Moai for years, want to go to the island some day.
I just cannot determine the age and the expertise is quite sparse. I once took it to London for it to be looked at at an auction house (not Christie's or Sotheby's) and was quite surprised by their lack of knowlege when looking at this piece. Left a bad taste in my mouth.

I think there's just too little real knowlege concerning these pieces, what they where used for and when.

 

Very nice statues and heads. And is that a solid gold frog?

 

Thank you.
Won't be solid gold if it turns out to be authentic as the gold alloy used by these pre columbian people tended to be of low gold content. At least that is my understanding

 

maybe you haven't met the right folks..

 

Makes sense to me, following this thread, thanks.

 

There is a good discussion of mo'ai kavakava carvings in this previous thread on the forum:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/carving-origins.31639/

The stone masquette is in Olmec style, but you may already know that.

 

E

xcelent, apprectiate it.

The masquette is Olmec, provenance is solid fortunarely.