Vintage Whole Carved Engraved Tahitian Black Mother of Pearl Shell

Collectibles : Decorative : Carved M.O.P. Items

 

From Tahiti, c.1950's, an excellent example of a popular tourist item made from the famous M.O.P. shell which is unique to that island, the beautifully dark and dusky black-lip ocean pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera), the same species which yields the rare and exotic black necklace pearls.

The shell itself is 6 1/4" in diameter, and at almost 3/4 lb. would now be considered commercially an especially thick and heavy shell (even trimmed as it is!), with the typical white-banded black bark on the backside. Carved on the inner nacreous layer are a pair of beachfront palm trees and the word "Tahiti", and following around inside the edge a scrollwork border and an arc of Tahitian gardenia flowers (Tiare tahiti), which have for some years been an important symbol of French Polynesia.

Although the work on this shell was done by hand, the native carvers at this point in history had all but abandoned their traditional edged blades in favor of hand operated power tools using variously shaped abrasive burrs and wheels, as clearly seen in the distinctive textures made by these rotary bits. The ease and speed introduced by this modern tooling encouraged craftsmen to become increasingly crude and sloppy, but this example is refreshingly even handed (although still a bit sketchy compared to much older work, but representative of the period).

Condition is perfect, with no chips to the edge. A very pleasant and decorative item, which will display equally well sitting upon a stand or hanging on a wall!

Item ID: 00645