Canoe Prow Figurehead, Solomon Islands

Canoe Prow Figurehead, Solomon Islands
nguzu nguzu
height 6 7/8in (17.5cm)

Provenance
Richard I.M. Kelton Collection, Marina del Rey, California

Carved with a rounded head, large circular ears, a long nose above an open mouth revealing upper and lower teeth, the arms reaching forward and holding a head below the chin; adorned with pearl shell (Meleagrina margaritifera) inlay in the eyes, ears and the incised decorative motifs on the face (some missing), the left pupil inlaid with a blue seed, the left with a brown seed, a ridge to the back pierced with three holes for attachment to the canoe; varied dark brown patina with encrustations.