Ta’a Puaika (Ear Piercer)

Ta’a Puaika (Ear Piercer)

late 1800s
Culture
Marquesas Islands
Locale
Marquesas Islands Polynesia
Country
French Polynesia
Object
tool, piercing, ear
Medium
Whale ivory
Accession Number
1949.4471
Credit Line
Native Arts acquisition fund

Marquesan artist, Ear Piercer, Late 1800s. Whale ivory; 5 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Denver Art Museum: Native Arts acquisitions funds, 1949.4471. Photography © Denver Art Museum

Dimensions
length: 5 3/4 in, 14.605 cm; width: 3/4 in, 1.905 cm
Department
Native Arts
Collection
Arts of Oceania
This object is currently on view
Known Provenance
Altman Antiques, Los Angeles, CA, before 1949; Denver Art Museum, 1949.
Exhibition History
  • “Islands Beyond Blue: Niki Hastings-McFall & Treasures from Oceania” — Denver Art Museum, 5/14/2023