A Madagascan funerary post finial, carved as a tall stylised bird, on modern stand, 73cm high, together with a Madagascan funerary post finial carved as two birds with plump bodies and long beaks, on modern stand, 56cm high (2) Provenance: Probably purchased from Karavanserai Maastricht; The collection of the late Clodagh Waddington Note: Avian carved finials such as the current lot were during funeral rites of chiefs and other high status persons. The bird represents the ascension of the soul to the next life.As can be seen from the online image the lot is heavily weathered with some small losses. The bird on the left of the photo is missing a section to the top of its head OR this could be a deliberate piece of carving to give the appearance of the bird lowering its head. It is a very clean notch cut out so the latter seems more likely.