Ua, Cambridge — 1954.102
Reported holding and location
Sources may describe historical holdings or locations.
Reported holder: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Recorded in: Indigen Recollecting Rapa Nui Gallery
Reported location: Cambridge
Recorded in: Indigen Recollecting Rapa Nui Gallery
Source accounts
Indigen Recollecting Rapa Nui Gallery (9 claims)
Reference: https://www.indigen.eu/gallery
Classification: Ua
Reported holder: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Reported location: Cambridge
Catalogue number: 1954.102
Material: wood, shell, obsidian
Description: Collection date: 1868
Description: Collector: Mitford W. Pye, HMS Topaze. Subsequent collectors: H. W. Page Philipps, Stevens Auction Rooms, S. Fenton, Harry Geoffrey Beasley
Description: Acquisition date: 1954, donated by Irene Marguerite Beasley
Description: Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 143,5 cm
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge collection record for Ua, Cambridge — 1954.102 (9 claims)
Reference: https://collections.maa.cam.ac.uk/objects/510277/
Source author: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Catalogue number: 1954.102
Description: Ua. Polished wooden paddle club, with face carved on each side of top of handle. Eyes formed of a shell ring with obsidian centre, but only one is complete.
Description: Place: Oceania; Polynesia; Rapa Nui [Easter Island]
Material: Wood; Shell; Obsidian
Classification: Ua
Description: Measurements: 7mm x 7mm x 1435mm
Description: Reference Numbers: 1954.102; 1043 [Beasley Collection no]; 133 [Lot number; J.C Stevens Auction 1916]
Description: Catalogue event: Context (Field collection) This object was collected during the HMS Topaze expedition to Rapanui in 1868. It is during that expedition that the two large stone moai now in the British Museum were collected: Hoa Hakananai'a (BM Oc1869,1005.1) and Moai Hava (BM Oc1869,1006.1). The collector of the club at MAA is given by Beasley as Mitford W. Pye - this could be Mitford William Pye, born in 1851, and recorded in the Royal Naval Officer's Service Records Index (1756-1931) as having enrolled on 24 March 1865. He died in October 1872 (aged 21). More research needs to be undertaken to confirm that he is indeed the collector [Lucie Carreau, 31/08/2017]. Event Date 1868 Author: Lucie Carreau
Description: Catalogue event: Context (Other owners) This object was previously in the collection of Harry Geoffrey Beasley, no. 1043. It is recorded in Beasley's original acquisition register (vol.2) as: 'EASTER ISL. (RAPA NUI): Chief staff of red wood. The end carved as a double head. Having the eyes inlaid with bone + obsidian. Obtained by H.M.S. Topaz, 1868 by mitford W. Pye + formerly in the possession of H.W. Page Phillips of Pyrford, Sussex. Sold at Stevens Rooms, Lot 133 + Bt by S. Fenton M.O.O. Fenton Comm A.O.O. W.O Comm H.O.O.' It was acquired on 25 July 1916 for 8/-/- [Lucie Carreau, 31/08/2017]. Event Date 25/7/1916 Author: Lucie Carreau
