Rare Tangata Bird Man from Easter Island with Black Obsidian Eyes on bone

Description

Easter Island Wood Carvings
During a trip filming a documentary on the Moais of Easter Island in 1983, I purchased a number of wooden statues from the local carvers.
This is one of a few. This Rapa Nui handcarved birdman is 12 1/8" tall, with black obsidian eyes on bone. The last image is a birdman on an Easter Island 500 Rongo Bill I photographed at that time.
ARTS and CRAFTS
Many objects from Easter Island collected by visiting travelers are now in various museums throughout the world. Serveral materials were used: stone, wood and bone. Some were tools, others objects of cult.
The island was strewn with chips of cut obsidian, the "mata's." Sharp as glass, these were used in tribal wars.
BONE OBJECTS
Lacking bones of mammals, the human skeleton was used for making fish-hooks and needles for sewing fabrics made from the bark of trees.
WOODEN OBJECTS
As trees were rare, wood was precious. It was because of this that wooden objects were treated with such respect and veneration. )
The moai  were generally cut from the wood of toromiro. These very sacred statues were hung in huts, men carrying them in their arms when they danced.
Please see my other listings. Happy to share photography and background on this most unusual and fascinating people and island. Final sale with no returns. Please bid carefully. Free shipping and insurance to the US and Canada only.
Please view all photos for details and message with any inquiries.
Shipped via USPS Priority and dispatched within three business days.