An extremely important, and early royal seat, or no’oanga. These elegant seats were for the exclusive use of the King and/or Queen. Believed to be living demi-gods, the Royalty were enthroned on low, four-legged, rectangular stools. As no one was allowed to be higher then the head of the King or Queen all others sat on the ground.

Atiu Island, Cook Islands, Polynesia. Tamanu wood (callophyllum inophyllum) with a superb patina of age and wear. The legs show an unusual adzing. 42 x 14.7 cm. 18th century.

Ex collection : Dr. R.M. Browne, Honolulu ; Norman Hurst, Cambridge; Gal. Meyer, Paris (N° AJP 4); Sir Alister McAlpine, Lord of West Green, London; John Hewett, London; Private collection, UK.

Ill.: Barrow, Terence: ART OF TAHITI. Thames & Hudson, London, 1979. Meyer, Anthony JP: OCEANIC ART / OZEANISCHE KUNST / ART OCEANIEN. Könemann Verlag, Köln. 1995, p. 527, fig. 608.