Beautifully carved figure from the Rarotonga peoples of the Cook Islands, in a finely grained tropical hardwood with a deep and varied glossy patina, depicting a squat figure with hands resting on sides of abdomen, protruding stomach, short flexed legs and long, prominent phallus. The head is of traditional style with large oval eyes with raised ridged carving, circular ears, large diamond shaped mouth and pointed face with non-defined nose and blocky feet with minimal detail. Traditionally these figures were strapped to canoes, and were considered a manifestation of god and this “Oramatua” figure would help in their hunt for fish as well as keeping them safe. Very well carved, and a fine, early example of artisanal work based upon traditional Rarotonga art work.