Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art for Sale

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Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art For Sale

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Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art:
$6000.00

MONUMENTAL 9 FOOT 10 INCH TIKI CARVING ATTRIBUTED TO TONGAN MASTER CARVER TUALAU TAUHELUHELUThis is not your typical tabletop tiki.Standing an incredible 9 feet 10 inches tall, this monumental hand carved wooden tiki is attributed to noted Tongan carver Tualau Tauheluhelu and is an extraordinary piece of Polynesian inspired tiki art.The entire carving is made from one massive, thick slab of wood. It is NOT a full round log carving. The back is substantially flat and the piece measures approximately 9 to 10 inches thick, with a base approximately 28 3/4 inches wide at its widest point.Estimated weight is approximately 300 to 400 pounds.Because of its slab construction, height and weight, it should be displayed leaning securely against a wall or other substantial support rather than standing unsupported.THE CARVINGThe figure features an enormous headdress with deeply cut geometric detailing, a powerful brow, broad nose and exaggerated open mouth. Below is a muscular figure standing with his hands positioned along his thighs.The figure stands atop an elaborately carved pahu style drum base, featuring a scalloped upper edge, repeating geometric carving and a second large carved face incorporated into the drum itself.At nearly 10 feet tall, photographs simply do not convey how imposing this carving is in person.Tool and carving marks remain visible throughout the wood along with variations in grain, color and patina.ATTRIBUTED TO TUALAU TAUHELUHELUThis carving is attributed to Tualau Tauheluhelu, a Tongan born master carver whose work became part of the California tiki and Polynesian art scene.Tauheluhelu spent many years carving in Hawaii before continuing his work in California. His carving work was publicly documented during his lifetime and his pieces appeared in Polynesian cultural exhibitions and commercial tiki environments.I acquired this piece with the understanding that it was carved by Tualau Tauheluhelu and likely originated as a large commercial display piece, possibly from a tiki bar or restaurant environment.There is no visible signature or maker’s mark, so I am selling the piece as attributed to Tualau Tauheluhelu rather than representing the attribution as independently authenticated.CONDITIONThis is an older, massive hand carved wooden piece and is not being represented as new or restored.It shows age, surface wear, checking, cracks, scratches, color variation, weathering and other imperfections consistent with its age, construction and history. Please examine all photographs carefully.DIMENSIONSHeight: approximately 9 feet 10 inchesBase width: approximately 28 3/4 inchesThickness: approximately 9 to 10 inchesConstruction: one thick solid slab of wood, NOT a full round logEstimated weight: approximately 300 to 400 poundsThis would make an incredible statement piece for a serious tiki collector, tiki bar, restaurant, resort, Polynesian collection, home tiki room or commercial display.DELIVERY AND SHIPPING… PLEASE READBecause of the extraordinary size and weight, ordinary parcel shipping is not practical.The listing includes a $2,000 delivery charge.I am located in Central California and am willing to personally transport the carving to help ensure it arrives safely.Depending on the buyer’s location, a portion of the $2,000 delivery charge may be refunded. For example, a buyer in the Los Angeles area would likely receive approximately a $1,250 refund of the delivery charge. A buyer across the country should expect a much smaller refund or possibly no refund because of the distance and expense involved.Please contact me before purchasing to discuss your location and delivery arrangements.The buyer may also arrange professional freight transportation separately. However, because of the size, weight and protective packaging or crating required, freight could be expensive.My preference is to deliver it personally when practical. I can transport it carefully myself and make sure this extraordinary carving arrives safely at its new home.Nearly 10 feet tall. One massive slab of wood. Hundreds of pounds. This is a truly commanding piece of tiki art.
DELIVERY ESTIMATES
Personal delivery is available when practical. Approximate delivery costs are about $500–$700 to Los Angeles, $700–$800 to San Diego, and about $2,000 to Florida. Please contact me before purchase to confirm location, timing and the exact delivery arrangement. Buyer may also arrange professional freight separately.
The wood species is unknown. Cracks, checking, scratches, weathering and other age-related imperfections are present; please review all photos carefully.
CHARITY
10% of the sale is donated through the charity selection on this listing.

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Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art For Sale

Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art: $6000.00

Tualau Tauheluhelu Tiki Carving 9’10” Monumental Tongan Polynesian Wood Art:
$6000.00