Solomon Islands Canoe Prow Figurehead

A fine canoe prow ornament (nguzunguzu), New Georgia Island,…
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A fine canoe prow ornament (nguzunguzu), New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands (circa 1900), carved wood, natural pigments, pearl shell, fibres and resin, 21.5 cm high. Used to ensure safe passage and successful raids against neighbouring island villages, these prow figureheads or nguzunguzu were attached just above the waterline at the bow of a war canoe. This example of figurehead most likely originates from the Roviana lagoon region, New Georgia Island. Kevin Conru suggests that the imagery used in these figureheads relates to the spirit of the mythical dog, Tiola which 'barked in the direction from which enemies came' with its eyes fixed and wide open to ward off threatening spirits. The proportions and attention to anatomical detail of this particular figurehead, added with the remarkable refinement in the asymmetric curves and delicate segments of Mother of pearl and fibre ornamentation, give this example a confident, well poised presence. D'lan Davidson. Provenance: Reputedly collected in the 1920s. Private Estate Collection, Victoria. Private Collection, Victoria

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  • Mother-Of-Pearl - Mother-of-pearl, technical name "nacre", is the inner layer of a sea shell. The iridescent colours and strength of this material were widely used in the nineteenth century as an inlay in jewellery, furniture, (especially papier mache furniture) and musical instruments.

    In the early 1900s it was used to make pearl buttons. Mother-of-pearl is a soft material that is easily cut or engraved.

    Nowadays it is a by-product of the oyster, freshwater pearl mussel and abalone industries.
  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.

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