Two Superb Old Maori Orators Staffs Tokotoko New Zealand Polynesia19th Century

Two Superb Old Maori Orators Staffs Tokotoko from New Zealand 19th Century Polynesian Art 

These two superbly carved old Maori Orator Staffs called Tokotoko, are a common sight among Māori and are most frequently seen on the paepae of mārae, or at formal occasions where a kaikōrero (orator) is required. Tokotoko is most frequently carried by an orator, skilled in the arts of whaikōrero, karakia, and storytelling.

Tokotoko usually draws the attention of a viewer due to the whakairo or carvings that frequently adorn them. These carvings usually depict a representation of an ancestor who is usually of direct significance to the person who carries it, representing their whakapapa or clan genealogy, and therefore their authority or right to speak. Some tokotoko, in the absence of a direct representation of genetic lineage, will often depict a story of personal significance to the owner or their iwi (tribe) as another way of representing whakapapa, however in most instances, whakapapa is the connecting common factor of all tokotoko.

Left: A Fine Maori Orator staff with a well-carved Ancestor Figure near the handle and another midway down the staff both with pearl-shell eyes, the spiral motifs covering most of the surface were carved by a very confident master carver.

Right: A Fine Maori Orators Staff with a well-carved Ancestor Figure in “acrobat style” near the handle and another face midway down the staff both the figure and the face have pearl-shell eyes, the spiral motifs covering most of the surface were carved a very confident master carver.

These artworks have a fine custom-made stand so they can be displayed on the floor or on a table

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic & Polynesian Art

Please have a look at my EXHIBITIONS Gallery https://www.oceanicartsaustralia.com/about/exhibition-and-publications/   which shows many of the exhibitions & public Museums & Art Galleries I have worked with in the past.

I have artwork for Museums and art Galleries but also for collectors at every stage of their collecting. I want to encourage people to explore the fine art of New Guinea & West Papua and the Pacific Islands and to be able to see and touch the artworks in a relaxed and friendly manner in my Sydney Gallery.  I would like to invite you to visit my gallery and see the artworks in person and also look at my website www.oceanicartsaustralia.com  where there are many Galleries & Sub Galleries to explore.

My Gallery of nearly 40 years is the last physical gallery in Sydney that specializes in New Guinea and oceanic Art. Sydney is just a couple hours’ flight to New Guinea & the Pacific Islands where all of these amazing artworks came from, Australia’s closest neighbors.

If you have a similar “object” for sale please contact me for the best price and honest advice by a Government approved valuer 

To see many more rare items and the finest masterpieces, please make an appointment with us to visit the gallery.

For all inquiries, please contact us.