Object with Two Carved Heads

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Culture Māori

Title Object with Two Carved Heads

Date 18th–19th century

Medium Wood, haliotis shell, and and flax

Dimensions Object: 9 1/4 × 2 3/4 × 5 1/4 in. (23.5 × 7 × 13.3 cm)
Overall: 9 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (23.5 x 7 x 13.3 cm)

Credit Line Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 2010.19

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About this Work

This object is unusual in that even through scholars are unable to agree upon its use (is it the end of a latrine bar, a fishing rod, a bird perch, a canoe prow ornament, or something yet to be suggested?), its authenticity and identification as Māori is absolute and unquestionable. Many other objects of this form are also known and sometimes referred to only as a “ritual object.” The tiki motif (a representation of the human form – sometimes only the eyes) and birdlike features are characteristic of Māori carving, as are the geometric patterns, the figure-eight mouth, and the inlay eyes. The object is real, just not well understood.

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

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Cite this Page
"Object with Two Carved Heads | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=2010.19