Accession No

Z 11061


Description

Small wooden head carved with a lug at the back for use as canoe prow ornament. Prognathous features. A curved line of inlaid 'Z'-shaped mother of pearl runs from the top of the head to the mouth on both sides. Another line runs along the chin. Originally, distended earlobes (both broken) connecting to the shoulders. Clasped hands under the chin. Lug perforated three times - a piece of vegetable fibre threaded through the middle hole. Stepped cap.


Place

Oceania; Melanesia; Solomon Islands


Period


Source

Von.Hügel.Anatole [Baron]


Department

Anth


Reference Numbers

Z 11061; O.VI.33.H.A ['A' in superscript]


Cultural Affliation


Material

Wood; Shell; Plant; Fibre


Local Term


Measurements

80mm x 160mm x 120mm


Events

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card for Z 11061: 'Figure of a human head used as a mascot in canoe navigation. The face is inlaid'.
Event Date
Author: maa


Description (Labels & Markings)
'O.VI.33.H.A. ['A' in superscript]' inscribed in white ink on the side of the object.
Event Date
Author: maa


Context (Other owners)
The presence of 'A' in superscript after von Hugel's number probably indicates that the object was purchased at auction or from a dealer (as discovered during research on the Fiji collections as part of the Fijian Art research project, 2011-2014).
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau


Description (Physical description)
Small wooden head carved with a lug at the back for use as canoe prow ornament. Prognathous features. A curved line of inlaid 'Z'-shaped mother of pearl runs from the top of the head to the mouth on both sides. Another line runs along the chin. Originally, distended earlobes (both broken) connecting to the shoulders. Clasped hands under the chin. Lug perforated three times - a piece of vegetable fibre threaded through the middle hole. Stepped cap.
Event Date 1/4/2015
Author: maa


FM:145974

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