A late 19th century Fijian totokia (beaked battle-hammer), the long cylindrical handle with swollen multi-spiked 'pineapple' head with long tapered protruding beak, good old patina, the butt with short flared mildly domed end, length 84 cm. Provenance: The estate collection of Michael Higgs, (Tribal Artefacts, Polynesian Arts & Crafts, Private & Museum Supplies Specialist)
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- Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.
As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.
Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.
- Pineapple - The pineapple, named because of its resemblance to a pine cone, was an exotic and scarce fruit in the 18th century. It became a popular decorative motif on furniture, silver ceramics, glass and clocks during this time.
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