Oceania
Maori peoples, New Zealand
Object with Two Carved Heads
Wood, haliotis shell, flax
H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection

Maori objects of similar form have been called bird snares, parts of latrine seats, and canoe prow ornaments, leaving this object's function still very unclear. Unmistakable, however, is its Maori style, shown in the geometric patterns on the face, the inlaid eyes, and the figure-eight mouth. Although we do not know when it was carved, the softness of the workmanship indicates that it was not cut with metal tools.