An early canoe prow ornament (nguzunguzu), New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands, (nineteenth century), carved wood, pearl shell inlay and resin, 13.7 cm high. This early figurehead is atypical in its diminutively mischievous proportions. The accentuated and flaired curves of the anatomical detail (particularly to the nasal region), highlighted with segments of mother of pearl ornamentation and capped off with the helmetlike protrusion, makes this particular 'Icon of Oceanic Art' all the more intriguing. Provenance: Reputedly collected in the 1920s. Private Estate Collection, Victoria. Private Collection, Victoria