19th C. Solomon Islands Clamshell Ornaments

Oceania, Melanesia, Solomon Islands, New Georgia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. Four large tridacna clamshell ornaments displayed one above the other, each one carved in the general shape of a hand with scalloped 'fingers' at the upper wider end and openwork below in order to tie to a stick, the smallest positioned at the bottom of the stand also presents an incised eye-like form above the opening below. As such, these were intended to serve as funerary emblems. A lovely ensemble carved form clamshells of beautiful champagne pink and creamy white hues. Size: largest (top) shell measures 4" W x 3.375" H (10.2 cm x 8.6 cm); 15.375" H (39.1 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar example at the Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France that was exhibited in "The Radiance of Shadows: Art in Black and White from the Solomon Islands" (2014-2015).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Norman Hurst collection, Cambridge; ex Aguttes Paris April 2017, lot 626

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#153883
Condition Report: Losses to peripheries of shell ornaments as shown. Shells have darkened a bit with age. Scattered areas of deposits. Expected surface wear with scuffs and abrasions. A few stains from former labels on versos. Still present as beautiful forms.