Rare Whalebone Tokotoko with Figures and Antler Handle

A good rare whalebone tokotoko, the tapering shaft carved with two figures. The upper section figure with a wheku head with protruding tongue and cut paua shell eyes. The arms with pikorauru spirals at the shoulders and hands placed to the abdomen. The arms and legs with further spiral decoration and pakati (dog tooth) notching. The second figure with conforming decoration and holding a patu paraoa. The shaft further decorated with rauponga. The handle carved from an antler and inlaid with paua shell above a New Zealand silver collar with makers mark for H. J Grieve and Co, Auckland. Length 89 cm