The designated tribal art department at Woolley & Wallis (22% buyer’s premium) in Salisbury is now in its third year – and increasingly picking up consignments and regular buyers from well beyond its immediate hinterlands.
The September 20 sale was led by a particularly good greenstone hei tiki from a private collection in the Netherlands (see 2, below). Possibly 18th century, relatively large at over 5in (13cm), inlaid with haliotis shell eyes and nicely worked with a tilted head and forked tongue, it was pitched at £15,000-20,000. A collector bought it for £25,000.
Specialist Will Hobbs said the market for Oceanic art remains strong – thanks to buyers in the US and Australasia. The internet search engine has played a big part.