Hongi Hika's Royal Presentation Fowling Piece (EST . $100,000 - $150,000). An Extremely Rare Pounamu Breastplate
Adornment (EST . $18,000 - $22,000). A Rare and Important Pākē (Rain Cape) (EST . $50,000 - $60,000).
Webb’s are excited to launch their latest Oceanic and Indigenous Artefact Auction. Webb’s history of industry leading
auctions in this category remains unsurpassed, on May 17 2021 we seek to continue this legacy that began with Peter Webb
in 1976.
The auction is highlighted by a number of pieces with significant historical importance to Aotearoa; never offered to
market, and with exceptional private collection provenance. The prize piece among a noteworthy selection is Hongi Hika’s
Royal Presentation Fowling piece.
Manufactured by John Twigg, the firearm was gifted by King George IV to Hongi Hika in 1820, when the chief visited
England. It was then bequeathed to Hika’s son-in-law Hone Heke in 1828. The piece is very likely to have accompanied
Heke on many of his early 1840’s campaigns in defence of Ngāpuhi territory, including Ohinewai (1845), a notable British
defeat. It may well have been present at the signing of the Treaty in 1840 and the famous cutting down of the flagstaff
at Kororāreka in 1845; all moments that defined the history of Aotearoa. This is the first tie this historically
significant artefact has been seen on the New Zealand market. Hongi Hika's Royal Presentation Fowling Piece is estimated
to reach between $100,000 - $150,000.
The exquisite material culture and master craftsmanship of pre-European Māori is seen in the refined execution of
utilitarian pieces, including the museum quality Pākē (rain cape). One of the rarest and finest examples to be seen
anywhere in the world. This particular example was removed from New Zealand immediately following the 1886 eruption of
Mt Tarawera by American lecturer Dr. A Fairbrother. He was known to have one of the finest collections of Māori Korawai,
carvings and clubs in the world. After Fairbrother left New Zealand following the eruption the cloak was included in a
tour of the USA in 1888. It is likely the cloak was collected much earlier than the Tarawera eruption as they were no
longer in use at the time. The cloak was subsequently repatriated to New Zealand where it has been held in private
collection since.
This pākē has double pair twining with robust plaited finish at the top. One original tie still present. Exposed surface
beautifully thatched with precise rows of flax leaf. Maker's signature visible, presented as a contrasting fibre against
the rest of the weave. The rare cape is set to reach between $50,000 - $60,000 under the hammer.
Arguably two of the finest pieces of pounamu to come to market in recent years are both present in this catalogue. The
first, an extremely rare pounamu breast plate adornment valued at between $18,000 - $22,000. Found in a river inlet in
Otago in the 1950’s, this archaic breastplate was traditionally carved with counter sunk suspension holes and lashing
grooves; such a piece would have been worn only by a high ranking members. The stone is of Gem Quality Southland jade
with areas of chatoyancy and no visible inclusions. The carving is so fine that the piece has a clear translucent
quality making it one of the finest and rarest examples of a pre-European pounamu anywhere in the world.
The latter a large and impressive pounamu blank with an estimate of $30,000 - $35,000. An exceptional example of
pre-European Māori master craftsmanship. An incomplete example, a piece of this superb quality would have been destined
to be carved into a tool or weapon for a very high ranking individual. This piece is of gem quality with Chatoyant
streaks throughout and an extremely high acoustic resonance. Found by a deer stalker in a small cave in the central
north island c.1950.
Other highlights include an exquisite Tongan chiefly lure, only the second time one has ever been presented at auction
in New Zealand and is sure to invite international attention. Also on offer; a rare late 19th Century Whakapakoko Atua
(Godstick). Whakapakoko Atua were driven into the ground in front of a priest (Tohunga), often adorned in feathers or
bound in cord. The physical embodiment of the spirit of the gods, these were not worshipped but were an instrument used
by the Tohunga who vocalised the spirit of the god.Evening Preview
Tuesday 11 May, 6 – 8pmAuction ViewingWednesday 12 May - Friday 14 May, 9am – 5.30pmSaturday 15 May 10am – 4pmSunday 16 May, 10am – 4pmMonday 17 May, 10am - 5.30pmLive Auction
Monday 17 May, 6.30pm