Wood with coconut coir
Early 19th century
Height 19 1/2
Provenance: William Ohly (1883 - 1955) Berkeley Galleries, London and Abbey Museum, Hertfordshire, UK and thence by descent.
Such objects like this were marks of high status in Tonga, and particularly associated with orators and royalty. Whisks protected royal food and moved away harmful spirits. After British arrival, and the introduction of horses, later fue began to use horsehair instead of traditional finely braided coconut coir as in this example.
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Wood with coconut coir
Early 19th century
Height 19 1/2
Provenance: William Ohly (1883 - 1955) Berkeley Galleries, London and Abbey Museum, Hertfordshire, UK and thence by descent.
Such objects like this were marks of high status in Tonga, and particularly associated with orators and royalty. Whisks protected royal food and moved away harmful spirits. After British arrival, and the introduction of horses, later fue began to use horsehair instead of traditional finely braided coconut coir as in this example.
INQUIRE HERE
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