Early Maori Bowl/ Carved Wood-Inlaid Shell/ New Zealand 19th-20th Century/Hand-carved/Old Patina/Paua Shell Start Price USD 850.00 Current Price USD 850.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 30, 2008 End Time Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Location San Francisco, CA See more about 'Early Maori Bowl/ Carved Wood-Inlaid Shell/ New Zealand' Description Antique Maori Wood and Shell Carved BowlNew Zealand ~ 19th - 20th Century Rare antique Maori hand-carved wooden bowl, from New Zealand, late 19th or early 20th century. This piece was carved in the form of a Maori face, with inlaid shell eyes and a whole Paua shell, inset into the wood, as the mouth. The geometric swirling designs around the sides of the bowl represent traditional tribal tatoos.This bowl is an early and fine example of Maori carving. The Paua shell is often used in Maori tribal art and is also known (in America) as abolone shell. Size: approx. 6.5" long, 4" wide, 1.5" tall / Weight: 12.5 oz. This old Maori bowl shows plenty of wear, especially on the bottom and above the eyes, where it was picked up and held many times. The wood surfaces have developed a deep, rich, dark and glossy patina and the iridescent shell also shows wear and an old patina. The tool marks from hand carving are visible on the swirling designs and a dark substance, probably tree sap, was used to fill in and cement the areas around the inset shell bowl and inlaid eyes. These attributes and the old worn patina indicate early manufacture, probably circa 1890 - 1910, or earlier. This piece is in excellent ethnographic condition, with wear and an aged, darkened patina, as seen in the photographs. It has no damage or restoration. FREE STANDARD SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES.INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AT A REDUCED RATE ... PLEASE WRITE FOR QUOTE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL PHOTOS BELOW FOR A LARGER IMAGE           This work will be a museum quality addition to any collection of South Pacific or Oceanic art and look great in any Hawaiian, Tribal, or Arts and Crafts decor. Please look carefully at all the photographs to view the details and condition of the piece. Please e-mail with any questions ... we always respond quickly! All of our pieces are guaranteed authentic, as described, and to your satisfaction, with a full money-back guarantee, including return shipping, if returned promptly and in good condition. Thank you for looking! ... Talisman Fine Arts Place a Bid!