Description:

This listing is for a wonderful vintage Maori bailer (also known as tata, tiheru, or ta wai) carved by a master artisan in New Zealand during the 1960s. The bailer is made of a single piece of totara hardwood, hollowed into a scoop, with a forward-projecting handle. It is heavily carved in traditional shape unique to Maori, with a human face on the body and a Manaia figure (mythological creature, usually depicted as having the head of a bird, the tail of a fish, and the body of a man) on the handle. The Manaia is the messenger between earth and the spiritual world, and guards against evil. The handle is designed to be compatible with the wrist movement. The bailing action would be accompanied by a Maori chant (karakia tata). Eyes and ears would be decorated with paua shell discs.

Condition:

Excellent. This bailer has never been used as such. It has been on display only.

Postage includes express post and insurance.