Loading, please wait...
LOT 2405
Solomon Islands Trawling Lure
CIRCA 19TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (12.9 grams, 81 mm).
An Oceanic fish lure comprising a polished shell body and a carved hook attached to the reverse with twine. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
LiteratureSee Waite, D. & Conru, K., Solomon Islands Art: The Conru Collection, 5 Continents, 2008. Blau, D., & Maas, K., Fish Hooks of the Pacific Islands, Hirmer, 2012; Brunt, P. & Thomas, N., Oceania, Royal Academy of Arts, 2018; Grulke, W., Adorned by Nature: Adornment, Exchange & Myth in the South Seas, At One Communications, 2022.
FootnotesSuch lures were not used with bait but were dragged behind a fast-moving canoe to attract the prey with the abalone shell glinting in the sun to emulate the scales of a fish in order to attract larger fish.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
African and Other Stone Bangle Group
20th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including biconvex, annular and other types. 534 grams total, 9.4-10.3 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Aboriginal Part-Polished Stone Axehead
Australia, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
D-shaped in section with polished edge and polished lateral faces for mounting in a haft. 285 grams, 12.3 cm
From New South Wales, Australia. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no. AA32; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. -
Papuan Polished Green Stone Axehead
Early 20th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Lentoid in section and fish-shaped in profile with usage wear. 571 grams, 27.4 cm
Found Waskuk Hills, Upper Sepik, Papua New Guinea, Oceania, prior to WWI. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no. AA26; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
