From the Marquesas Islands to Vanuatu, Oceanic Arts Were Given a Warm Reception.

Result EUR69,218

Published on 23 July 2020, by Philippe Dufour

Auction on 14 July 2020 - 14:00 (CEST) - 28, rue Pierre-Mendès-France - 27400 Louviers

Artifacts with a mysterious purpose from these distant lands were roundly acclaimed, while Western paintings and sculptures also performed well.

Marchesas Islands, early 19th century. Pair of stilt stirrups or tapuvae, hardwood... From the Marquesas Islands to Vanuatu, Oceanic Arts Were Given a Warm Reception.

Marchesas Islands, early 19th century. Pair of stilt stirrups or tapuvae, hardwood with very old brown patina due to use, h. 33.2 and 36.2 cm.
Result: €69,218

The sale on July 14 had a decided flavour of Polynesia, which produced several lots of significant importance. They included these stilt stirrups (or tapuvae ) used in ritual combats in the Marquesas archipelago, which exceeded…

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Tuesday 14 July 2020 - 14:00 (CEST) - Live

28, rue Pierre-Mendès-France - 27400 Louviers

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Fascinating Artefacts from the Marchesas Islands

Essentially sacred artefacts, a pair of stirrups enabled combatants on stilts to fight each other in honour of the gods and the departed. In Louviers, they look set to win a further victory very soon, given their age and rarity.