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A fine canoe prow ornament (nguzunguzu), New Georgia Island,…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
22-Jul-2014
Lot No.
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Description:
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
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Tribal: S/E Asia, Oceania & Pacific