African and Oceanic Art

Showcased in this African and Oceanic Art auction is a sculpted, cadaverous male figure from Easter Island. With exposed ribs and pronounced facial features, this type of wood carving is thought to have been important in religious and cultural ceremonies. It was worn by men and women with human hair cords during the mid- to late 19th century. Also included is a Lega mask from the Bwami society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These masks were thought to be hung on a specially-erected fence and surrounded by maskettes. In some initiation rites, the mask may also have been worn high on the forehead with the beard hanging in front of the face or on the side of the head. 

Another item highlighted in this Bonhams auction is a large Maori hand club from New Zealand. This club is carved from greenstone nephrite jade and tapers from the circular handle to a thin round blade. The handle has a conical end with a stepped pattern and a collector’s label on one side. These clubs, likely made between 1600 and 1850, were often passed down from father to son. View the entire collection and register to bid by visiting Bonhams.