Featured I think bone carving mounted on wood base

I think it is some kind of bone. The carving is unsigned and sadly has a break on one of the ends. The carving is 8" long on the 10" wood base and attached with metal rods.
They sold it to me for $5.00 because of the broken end.
Mikey

 

I think it's worth a whole lot more than $5. First thought is south-east Asian, but I don't think it's terribly off something like Maori... or even Celtic.

 

It's a beaut for a fiver.

 

Interesting item..Great buy.. The damage is not even that obvious.

 

Thank you! yes Luckily the damage is on the tip so it isn't that noticeable.
Mikey

 

Good thing it's NOT in my hands....I'd be tempted to whip out my Dremel and gently smooth out that roughness a wee bit to make it even less noticeable!!! VERY NICE piece, Mikey!!!!

 

Mos was on the right track, New Zealand Maori.
I would have bought it in a heartbeat, broken end or not. A piece of sandpaper can fix that.

 

Thanks @Any Jewelry
So is it whale bone or something else?
I thought I could fix it but wasn't sure if I should.
What is the carving of?
Mikey

 

Something else, probably cow bone.

I think it is an artist's rendition of spirit life. I can see some elements of a 'Manaia', a messenger between the living and the dead which also acts as a guardian spirit for the living.

 

To get an idea, this is my Hei Manaia (Manaia pendant), carved from cow bone:

 

Very cool! Thank you very much @Any Jewelry
Mikey

 

I wouldn't do anything to that broken end. Just leave it. It's just a bit of the item's life.

 

And definitely another smart choice!!

 

Haha, "Put down the dremel tool and back away."
Mikey

 

I like the display presentation-how'd they attach it to the mount ? I've got some ethnic pieces i should display.I can't find decent museum display stands online- maybe they're all 'bespoke' custom items ?

 

Ditto. I have a beautifully carved Batak medicine horn that is in need of a good stand. It is currently wedged between two lacquer boxes, and doesn't look too happy.
The only stands I can find already support a horn, Viking style or some such, and cost the earth because of the horn.

 

I'm thinking getting the minimalist classic museum display display stands will cost more than my actual 'tchotchkes' !
PS-Hope Google gave me the correct Yiddish spelling (?).
PSS-Speaking of Yiddish-'The Yiddish Policeman's Union' by Michael Chabon is worth reading,also 'The Adventures of Kavalier & Clay' .

 

https://www.conservation-wiki.com/w...ternational_Mountmakers_Forum_YouTube_Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfLpw-jjwfv6qzSh-Bx3awA

 

I have considered that, but my crafting is such these days that I stick to small things. Maybe I should reconsider.

 

2many-Incredible resources ! The welding Vids very cool & Mountmakers Forum excellent.