Stone Bird Sculpture

[Opps Ifoundit]

My mother got this "Stone Bird Sculpture" at an estate sale of an old world traveler and writer called Andy Holland. He's dead now. But she said that he told her he picked it up in the 1940's while on his world travels that took him from Chile to Robinson Caruso island, Easter island, Pitcairn Island and more. She swears he said this was from Easter island. Looking for images of all those islands I have never seen something quite like it. It's head resembles the "Bird Man" but I don't think that's what it is representing or it would have arms and legs instead of wings. Notice in the picture of the bottom it was probably originally bright red rock. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I've been staring at it for ten years stumped. Measures 6" x 5 3/4"

 

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[capt-zero]

The red rock is correct. Many of the Easter Island's statues had what were once bright red topknots made of stone. So red volcanic stone does exist there. You're find may have a certain historical importance also. In the 50s and 60s, especially after Heyerdahl's publication of "Aku Aku" (1958), most of the islands easily portable antiquities were sold off to tourists by the native population due to grinding poverty. You may want to locate someone who specialises in Easter Island antiquities and share your find.

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

i spent some time this morning looking at easter island sites...the bird is a common theme...most of the carvings coming off the island are wood...which is odd since the islanders deforested the island before contact with Europeans...
the stone looks correct, in a photo, the style is similar...whether it is a relic or a tourist item is for an expert with stone in hand...
sorry...that is all can do.

 

[capt-zero]

Did a little research... and perused my copy of "Aku Aku". Birds in general and the chicken in particular, was very important to the Easter Islanders. By about 500 years ago, chicken was the only source of animal protein in their diet. I won't say that they worshipped them, but was a very important part of their lives.

 

[Mekong Mike]

Great looking bird.

 

[Opps Ifoundit]

Wow! Thanks for all your help everyone! It could be that this guy "Andy Holland" was one of those tourists and knew a good deal when he saw it. He was a teacher. Online I found his obituary and saw that he taught classes here nearby here in Everett in Washington. I guess I should try to find an expert in Easter island artifacts. Obituary • Andy Holland - Islands' Weekly

 

[rock]

There is other Indian artifacts forums just dont put it in the NA.

 

[trikikiwi]

I am sure the bird is an albatross; along with the other facts; volcanic rocks/Easter Island, it all makes sense.
Albatross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mike

 

[Opps Ifoundit]

great link! That would make sense.