Putorino, D55.368

Wooden putorino made in two parts. Middle section oval but round at distal and proximal ends. Upper head in ngututa style pierced at mouth under tongue extending over lower jaw connecting underneath. Ears double spirals and serrated paua shell eyes inset around eyeball. Wheku style middle head flat, ears single spiral and serrated paua shell eye inset. Whakarare design pattern on relief carving. double koru notch centre beneath mouth.
Lower head pierced through at mouth with same extending tongue just over lower jaw. One ear denoted with double koru. Flax ties in beautiful order but binding absent at proximal end.

Purchased from Sothebys by Kenneth Webster

Locality: New Zealand