APPLE SEED ITEMS: LAUNCESTON AUCTION 25.03.09 – Ipil Seeds possibly

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Well the hammer price on all three items was $40 each. This was so despite the fact that the auctioneer raised the issue about the doubt about the origins of the work and that it was probable that neither contained "apple seed". He did not suggest that the seeds were ipil-ipil seeds but did say that seed were possibly from a" tree that originated in Mexico." None of this seemed to effect the hammer price – Auction House – Tullochs Auctions.

More interesting however was the fact that the vendor, who was not present, seems to know of a maker who did indeed use apple seeds for necklace making. The vendor has been contacted and has provided the following information:

• The items offered for sale had all been purchased in Tasmania in various locations such as thrift shops, antique shops or garage sales over several years;
• The vendor's wife in her youth had worked in apple sheds on The Huon and does not recall seeing any apple seed craft being done nor hearing of any at that time;
• The vendor had met a woman living on Tasmania's east coast who had made apple seed necklaces and who had apparently made a great many over the years (100s?) but very often as gifts – this is first reliable report to TASRN of someone in Tasmania making such work in any amount. This clue is being investigated and when more information is available more will be reported here as information comes to hand.

Another person at the auction reported that a friend had purchased a relatively large number of necklaces similar items to the items on sale in Bali. How these items managed to get through Australian customs is a mystery if indeed they did.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION