Polynesian Volcanic Stone Head | Ancestor Effigy | 18th–19th Century

$1,000.00
$1,000.00
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Antique Polynesian volcanic stone head sculpture, carved with stylized facial features and linear hair details, used for ancestor veneration, photographed on a white background.
360° view of an 18th–19th century Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head, showcasing its carved features and weathered basalt surface.
Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head with carved facial features, 18th–19th century.
Side profile of a Polynesian volcanic stone effigy head with age-weathering and pitting.
Rear view of a weathered Polynesian basalt stone head sculpture from the 18th–19th century.
Three-quarter angle of an 18th–19th century Polynesian ancestor head carved from basalt.
Close-up of carved facial details on a Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy.
Polynesian ancestor effigy head carved in basalt, displayed against a neutral background.
Angled view highlighting the shape and carving of an antique Polynesian volcanic stone head.
Polynesian volcanic stone sculpture showing stylized facial features and aged patina.
Video clip showing an erupting volcano, symbolizing the volcanic origins and cultural context of the Polynesian stone ancestor effigy.
  • Antique Polynesian volcanic stone head sculpture, carved with stylized facial features and linear hair details, used for ancestor veneration, photographed on a white background.
  • 360° view of an 18th–19th century Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head, showcasing its carved features and weathered basalt surface.
  • Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head with carved facial features, 18th–19th century.
  • Side profile of a Polynesian volcanic stone effigy head with age-weathering and pitting.
  • Rear view of a weathered Polynesian basalt stone head sculpture from the 18th–19th century.
  • Three-quarter angle of an 18th–19th century Polynesian ancestor head carved from basalt.
  • Close-up of carved facial details on a Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy.
  • Polynesian ancestor effigy head carved in basalt, displayed against a neutral background.
  • Angled view highlighting the shape and carving of an antique Polynesian volcanic stone head.
  • Polynesian volcanic stone sculpture showing stylized facial features and aged patina.
  • Video clip showing an erupting volcano, symbolizing the volcanic origins and cultural context of the Polynesian stone ancestor effigy.
Antique Polynesian volcanic stone head sculpture, carved with stylized facial features and linear hair details, used for ancestor veneration, photographed on a white background.
360° view of an 18th–19th century Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head, showcasing its carved features and weathered basalt surface.
Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy head with carved facial features, 18th–19th century.
Side profile of a Polynesian volcanic stone effigy head with age-weathering and pitting.
Rear view of a weathered Polynesian basalt stone head sculpture from the 18th–19th century.
Three-quarter angle of an 18th–19th century Polynesian ancestor head carved from basalt.
Close-up of carved facial details on a Polynesian volcanic stone ancestor effigy.
Polynesian ancestor effigy head carved in basalt, displayed against a neutral background.
Angled view highlighting the shape and carving of an antique Polynesian volcanic stone head.
Polynesian volcanic stone sculpture showing stylized facial features and aged patina.
Video clip showing an erupting volcano, symbolizing the volcanic origins and cultural context of the Polynesian stone ancestor effigy.

Polynesian Volcanic Stone Head | Ancestor Effigy | 18th–19th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Polynesia / Oceanic Islands
Material: Volcanic stone (basalt-like composition)
Period: Circa 18th–19th Century

Description
Carved from dense volcanic stone, this striking head sculpture embodies the bold simplicity and spiritual intensity characteristic of Polynesian and Oceanic art. The form presents a stoic human face with stylized almond-shaped eyes, prominent nose, and subtly defined mouth. The back shows incised linear detailing, likely representing stylized hair. Such head sculptures were often associated with ancestor veneration, serving as spiritual guardians or symbols of lineage within Oceanic cultural traditions.

Features

- Carved volcanic stone head with natural surface weathering

- Stylized facial features: closed eyes, straight nose, and serene expression

- Incised linear details on the back, possibly denoting hair

- Strong presence with ritualistic and symbolic character

Cultural Significance
Head effigies across Polynesia and the broader Oceanic world often embody mana (spiritual power) and ancestral presence. These figures were not merely decorative but served as protective, ceremonial, and mnemonic objects, linking the living with their forebears and the spirit world.

Condition
Good, with natural pitting, age-weathering, and surface encrustations consistent with stone exposed to the elements. Minor losses and abrasions do not detract from the overall integrity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 7.5 in
Width: 5 in

Age
Estimated 18th–19th century

Learn More

Dive Deeper Into the History of Polynesian Culture

Explore Our Collection of Stone Artifacts

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Polynesia / Oceanic Islands
Material: Volcanic stone (basalt-like composition)
Period: Circa 18th–19th Century

Description
Carved from dense volcanic stone, this striking head sculpture embodies the bold simplicity and spiritual intensity characteristic of Polynesian and Oceanic art. The form presents a stoic human face with stylized almond-shaped eyes, prominent nose, and subtly defined mouth. The back shows incised linear detailing, likely representing stylized hair. Such head sculptures were often associated with ancestor veneration, serving as spiritual guardians or symbols of lineage within Oceanic cultural traditions.

Features

- Carved volcanic stone head with natural surface weathering

- Stylized facial features: closed eyes, straight nose, and serene expression

- Incised linear details on the back, possibly denoting hair

- Strong presence with ritualistic and symbolic character

Cultural Significance
Head effigies across Polynesia and the broader Oceanic world often embody mana (spiritual power) and ancestral presence. These figures were not merely decorative but served as protective, ceremonial, and mnemonic objects, linking the living with their forebears and the spirit world.

Condition
Good, with natural pitting, age-weathering, and surface encrustations consistent with stone exposed to the elements. Minor losses and abrasions do not detract from the overall integrity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 7.5 in
Width: 5 in

Age
Estimated 18th–19th century

Learn More

Dive Deeper Into the History of Polynesian Culture

Explore Our Collection of Stone Artifacts

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