Pair of walking sticks or orator's staffs c.1963
Wood, haliotis shell | RCIN 92658
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A pair of polished Maori walking sticks or orator's staffs, the upper handles carved in the form of standing figures with wide lips and protruding tongues. The first figure holding both three-fingered hands to the stomach; the second holding a mere (club) in one hand and resting the other three-fingered hand to the stomach. Both with eyes inset with haliotis shell.
Maori walking sticks or orator's staffs are known as tokotoko. They are a symbol of authority, usually held during formal speeches.Provenance
Presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the people of Waitangi, New Zealand, following the Waitangi Day celebrations in 1963
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Creator(s)
(nationality)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Wood, haliotis shell
Alternative title(s)
Tokotoko
Place of Production
New Zealand