Maori Wakahuia Featherbox-Polynesian Art-Oceanic Art
Maori wakahuia feather boxes have a lot to enjoy as aesthetic objects. Their all-over carved design is intricate, precise and pleasing to the eye and touch. The stylized faces that project from the ends give the objects a real sculptural quality. This example has full figures splayed out on the underside of the box that are large and well done with broad three-fingered hands. The wakahuia has substantial age and an old collection inventory number, 16496 painted inside the main container and the underside of the lid. The white circular label with O 582 denotes the piece as being from the Harry Franklin Collection. The box dates to the mid 19th century, is 23 ¾” (60.2 cm) in length.