A stunning and handsomely etched crescent-shaped pectoral ornament bearing the image of the sacred frigate bird, an animal highly esteemed in the islands for its prowess in fishing. While traditional pendants from the Solomon Islands are typically round, the crescent-shaped form was introduced by Polynesian whalers in the early 19th century. Worn by men principally during ceremonies, these ornaments were among the various types of prestige objects that constituted a large share of a household’s wealth (Minneapolis Institute of Art, n.d.).

REFERENCES

“Necklace with Half-Moon Pendant.” Minneapolis Institute of Art. Accessed August

1, 2020. https://collections.artsmia.org/art/51800/necklace-with-half-moon-

pendant-solomon-islands.

“Personal Ornament.” The British Museum. Accessed August 1, 2020.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Oc1947-01-2.