Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Circa 1800
Bone
Height: 1 5/8 in.
4.1 cm
Provenance: Gustave and Franyo Schindler, New York
The ivi poʻo is a small carved bone object specific to the Marquesas Islands, used as a toggle, fan handle, and personal ornament worn in the hair. In Marquesan contexts, objects of this type carried social meaning and could signal that the wearer had an outstanding vendetta to carry out. This example dates to circa 1800 and comes from the Gustave and Franyo Schindler collection in New York.
The ornament is carved in cylindrical form, with a tiki face covering the full exterior. The large circular eyes, brow ridges, and mouth follow the Marquesan figural vocabulary seen across wood, bone, and stone carving of the period. The surface has developed a warm ivory tone through age, with carved detail remaining clearly defined throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Circa 1800
Bone
Height: 1 5/8 in.
4.1 cm
Provenance: Gustave and Franyo Schindler, New York
The ivi poʻo is a small carved bone object specific to the Marquesas Islands, used as a toggle, fan handle, and personal ornament worn in the hair. In Marquesan contexts, objects of this type carried social meaning and could signal that the wearer had an outstanding vendetta to carry out. This example dates to circa 1800 and comes from the Gustave and Franyo Schindler collection in New York.
The ornament is carved in cylindrical form, with a tiki face covering the full exterior. The large circular eyes, brow ridges, and mouth follow the Marquesan figural vocabulary seen across wood, bone, and stone carving of the period. The surface has developed a warm ivory tone through age, with carved detail remaining clearly defined throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
