£5,292
Auction: 31 May 2023 at 15:00 BST
carved wood, red and white polychrome and mother-of-pearl, the figure is depicted clasping a bird in both hands beneath the chin, the face and arms are symmetrically adorned with lines of nautilus mother-of-pearl inlay simulating war paint, the largely distended ears and the eyes bear the same, the nose is elongated, the half-open mouth revealing the teeth, raised on a bespoke wooden mount, the reverse of the mount bearing an ink collection number reading "RH990"
Provenance:
William Jamieson, Canada, acquired Paris 1960
Philippe Ratton, Paris
Private collection, London, United Kingdom, acquired from the above in 2003 (accompanied by a scan of the original invoice)
Note:
The people of the Solomon Islands hold great respect for the long, plank-built war canoes, which are known for their impressive size, speed, and beauty. These canoes are stained black and adorned with white nautilus shell inlays. The outer length of the raised prow is decorated with large cowrie shells, and at the bow, there are carved anthropomorphic figureheads such as the present example, that are secured just above the waterline. The construction and decoration of these canoes are accompanied by appropriate rituals, and they are still crafted today.