STAIR
Live Auction

The Estate of Joseph T. Butler, Tarrytown, New York

Sat, Apr 25, 2015 11:00AM EDT - Sun, Apr 26, 2015 11:00AM EDT
Lot 702

EASTER ISLAND (RAPA NUI) CARVED WOODEN JANUS FISH CLUB

Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Sold for

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$200 $50
$500 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
With fine stone carved with club shaft surmounted with janus faces, each with inlaid eyes of fish vertebrae and obsidian, raised cheekbones and pursed lips, surmounted with a domed head decorated with linear incisions.Note: The Easter Island staffs and short clubs served as both weapons and symbols of authority. Adorned with carved janus-faced heads with eyes of inlaid obsidian and fish or bird bone. They are related in form and function to similar objects from the Marquesas and Aotearoa Islands. This club (paoa) was used by the Islanders in hand to hand combat or to stun a fish once it landed in the boat. Either way it was for survival. Overall 24 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.