figure
- Museum number
- Oc,LMS.45
- Description
-
God image plaque with feather attachments, raised zigzag elements and arched cleats (many broken). The top has three projections composed of back-to-back stylized figures with hands to chin.
- Production date
- 18thC(late)-19thC(early)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 58 centimetres
-
Length: 50.80 centimetres
- Curator's comments
-
Original information recorded on BM registration slip:
Native name Unu (Ellis, P[olynesian] R[esearches], II. 217)
LMS Cat 28 A carved flat club formed idol with feather appendages.
102 Flat idol with feathers
-
Hooper 2006
This plaque retains many of its original feather attachments. It has raised zigzag elements characteristic of Aitutaki, and arched cleats (many broken) resembling stylized figures of the kind found on openwork images attributed to Mitiaro (nos 207-8). At the top are three projections composed of back-to-back stylized figures with hands to chin. Unfortunately, as with most Cook Islands god images, we have no information about its manner of use.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2008 16 Jun-14 Sep, Paris, Musée du quai Branly, Pacific Encounters
2006 21 May-13 Aug, Norwich, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Pacific Encounters
- Acquisition date
- 1911
- Department
- Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Registration number
- Oc,LMS.45
- Additional IDs
-
CDMS number: Oc1911C27.45 (old CDMS no.)
-
Miscellaneous number: Oc1890,Loan (originally loaned to BM in 1890 by LMS)
