Lord Freyberg's Rare 19th Century Wakahuia with Polynesian Influence

A rare and important early 19th century Wakahuia collected by Lord Freyberg, oval rounded elongated form. The body of the box uncarved. Each side carved with figures in high relief. One figure with robust body with arms to the sides with open mouth, decorated with pakati notching. The other figure showing strong Polynesian and Melanesian influence, the head resembling the carved heads of Rapanui (Easter Island) Moai Kavakava figures. The hands placed beneath the chin resemblant of Solomon Island canoe prow figures. Pierced through the lid and base to enable suspension. Label attached to one side 'Property of Lord Freyberg, Governor general of N.Z ' inscribed to the underside of the lid 'Waitara'. Provenance: Dame Jenny Gibbs collection, 51 cm length.