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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:
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Solomon Islands Trawling Lure
Circa 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
An Oceanic fish lure comprising a polished shell body and a carved hook attached to the reverse with twine. 12.9 grams, 81 mm
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
Such 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. -
Aboriginal Chert Axe
Australia, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising a split wooden haft with cord bindings, fitted polished stone blade with cord bindings secured with a resinous adhesive. 257 grams, 28 cm
From New South Wales, Australia. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; with collection no.27; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. -
African Mangbetu Bone Hair Ornament
Congo, early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Formed from a slender long bone with crenellated head and smoothed shank, incised ring-and-dot ornament; repaired. 17 grams, 19 cm
From a family collection mostly formed in the 1940s-1950s, thence by descent.
