MONKEY MAN", WOODEN FIGURE,CAROLINE ISLANDS,UNIQUE!!

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+++NATIVE CARVING-"MONKEY MAN"--WARDS OFF EVIL SPIRITS-- ORIGINAL OWNER--VERY RARE+++ +++++It measures 6 inches high by 2 1/4 inches wide+++++ +++NOTE--THIS FIGURE HAS A SMALL PIECE BROKEN OFF of HIS RIGHT FOOT--See Photo # 08+++ +++THIS WAS CAUSED BY MY GRANDSON LOOKING THINGS OVER --OH WELL!!! +++ +++LOCATION--"ULITHI ATOLL"-FALALOP ISLAND-WEST CAROLINE ISLANDS--MARIANAS--MICRONESIA++ ++++HISTORY++++ ++ I was stationed on Falalop Island for a ONE YEAR TOUR of ISOLATED DUTY with the United States Coast Guard at the LORAN STATION located there in 1957-1958.There were a few natives who lived on this spit of an Island--I also operated a "HAM RADIO STATION" THERE--"KC6CG" for those familiar with that aspect!! I will be listing 300 to 400 old QSL cards on E-BAY!! +++THE CREW CONSISTED of 12 MEN and 2 MALE DOGS!!! +++ SEE PHOTO # 09-- (1/2 mile wide--3/4 mile long & 6 feet above sea level) Most of the natives that we saw over the year lived on other nearby islands--10 to 40 miles away. They would come in by canoe during Turtle Season (once a year these giant turtles would come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand) The natives would lay in wait for them and after they laid their eggs the natives would kill them for their food. UGGHHH!!! These poor TURTLES weighed 1000 to 1200 pounds each. When I look at the photos now it' s hard to believe!! The natives hand carved certain implements such as canoe bailers and also figures such as the one here for sale. They called them "MONKEY MEN" and said they warded off evil spirits and helped with safe journeys across the open ocean in their home-made canoes. If they liked you they would give you presents in exchange for things like cigarettes, matches and a beer and back then there was ample quantities of all!! One native gave me TWO 'MONKEY MEN" and a set of "HAND-CARVED STATUES" depicting a NATIVE MAN and A NATIVE WOMEN" complete with body tatoos etc. I was also given a second set made by a different native which show the variations in creativity of each. I will be listing them also so if you miss this you might watch for them. +++NOTE: IF YOU BUY MORE THAN ONE ITEM I WILL COMBINE SHIPPING WHICH WILL SAVE MONEY!!+++ They were carved using a small hand-made axe-like tool and smoothed with a gritty sand cloth. Note the angular characteristics of these PIECES of ART. The way the arms meet the knees etc. meant something to these people but I can't remember exactly what? The eyes are actually pieces of shells and the wood is very hard and deep in color although I really don't know what species it is. (Looks like mahogony but??)Some were also darkened. I have had these figures since 1957 and have displayed them in our various homes over the many years and now we are sizing down and it's time to let someone else enjoy these unique and rare items. If you have any questions please let me know and I will do my best to answer in a timely manner. Thanks for looking! +++ I ALSO HAVE A GROUP OF "COWERIE SHELLS" THAT I COLLECTED LIVE WHILE THERE--WILL BE LISTED on E-BAY! +++NOTE---THIS ISLAND WAS LOCATED ALONG THE "MARIANAS TRENCH"--SOME OF THE DEEPEST WATER KNOWN+++ . I like to use U.S.P.O Priority Mail but will ship as you tell me to. I DO NOT ADD ANY HANDLING FEES!!! Whatever the P.O. charges is what you will pay. I WILL COMBINE shipping whereever possible if more than one item is purchased! I do not have a return policy though E-Bay makes me state one. I intend to be as fair and reasonable as unique circumstance dictate! PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS PRIOR TO BIDDING IF POSSIBLE!!! INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: I WILL SHIP TO MOST COUNTRIES WHERE ALLOWED TO DO SO. PLEASE REQUEST SHIPPING CHARGES PRIOR TO BIDDING!! read more

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