Canoe Prow Ornament (Nguzu Nguzu)
Western Solomon Islands, late 19th century
Carved wood, black pigment, and shell inlay
Ex–old English collection, UK
8.5” h x 4” w x 5.75” d (height with base: 11”) (21.59 x 10.16 x 14.61 cm [27.94])
Price: POR
A classic western Solomon Islands canoe prow ornament, featuring a beautiful blackened patina and fine shell inlay. These ornaments functioned as striking figureheads on war canoes in the western islands and are thought to depict a mythical ancestor.
