INTRODUCTION This catalogue encompasses a diverse range of cultures from Africa, Aotearoa, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Melanesia and Polynesia. Curating this auction has been a great pleasure; the quality of artefacts is very high and some very rare objects have been consigned. A highlight of this auction is a large offering of Maori fish-hooks and fishing technologies from the Webster Collection. Kenneth Athol Webster (1906–1967) was an avid collector with a voracious appetite for materials related to New Zealand. After World War II, he became a collector-dealer in London and began challenging the attitudes of the period in Britain regarding Polynesian and Maori artefacts. Webster had amassed numerous artefacts from New Zealand, through purchasing and exchange, such as a wahaika, tikis and more. After Webster’s death, his collection was dispersed; some became part of the collections at the Turnbull Library and Te Papa Tongarewa while others were sold to private international buyers and collectors. Another highlight is a superb 19th-century kahu kiwi feather cloak from the Whanganui region, illustrated on the cover of this catalogue. In exceptional condition, this cloak features beautiful kaka-and-tui-feather side borders with plump, luminous kiwi feathers at the centre. Some excellent examples of Polynesian and Melanesian art have been consigned, such as Polynesian clubs, Melanesian masks and shields. A stunning array of African art is also on offer, including fine Pende and Dogon masks. The selection is of high quality and sourced from a private New York collection; the provenances of these artefacts are strong and comprise well-known collectors and dealers. Following on from a successful sale in September of last year, we have again obtained a great selection of tribal rugs from a private collection. In exceptional condition, these rugs come from Afghanistan, the Rajasthan area of north India and Iran. Many thanks to the team at Webb’s, which has helped produce this beautiful catalogue, and thanks for the continued support of our loyal vendors and buyers. I look forward to seeing you at the viewing. Jeff Hobbs Head of Tribal Art
Lot 56 PATU ONEWA Fine stone club in traditional form. See pg.55 for full description Estimate $2,000 - $4,000
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Jeff Hobbs Head of Tribal Art