Carved wooden Maori TokoToko (swagger stick / orator's stick). The stick is appx. 22.5" overall length. 1.25" across the head of the figure. Inlaid paua wood eyes. Height of figure is appx. 6.5", the rest of the staff is carved except for the last 4.75" (appx) of the stick.
The figure at the top has his tongue out and his hands are carved below his pointed tongue. There is good "old" wear at the tip of the stick (where there may have been a ferrule at some point in the past).
This came from an estate in the Hudson Valley region of NY. I don't have any further information about the provenance. The estate it came from had interesting and valuable things, so I think it is fair to say that this may also be expensive and valuable. I do not think this is tourist quality; if it is, I apologize for my lack of knowledge and my compliments to the carver / artist.
I have not attempted to clean, alter or improve the item in any way. Exactly as it came from the estate. This extends beyond my knowledge area; I have priced this at what I feel this is worth if it "tourist". If this is authentic it is worth many multiples of my asking opening bid.
Need additional photos? Let me know specifically what you want to see and I'll make it happen.