Oceanic Artifact Listing: PRT27

NguzuNguzu
War Canoe Prow Figurehead

Anthropomorphic canoe prow carvings (also known as Toto isu) were intrinsic parts of large war conoes used by the inhabitants of Roviana and Marovo Lagoons, New Georgia for headhunting raids on the villages on Santa Isabel, Choiseul and other islands in the Solomon Island grouping. Headhunting raids ended with the inception of British colonial rule. The carvings have since been used as symbols of Solomon Island culture and to this date, are carved both individually and as canoe prows. Such tortoise shell/mother of pearl-inlaid carvings have since become recognized as art forms and are highly prized and saught after collectibles.

Origin: Western District, Solomon Islands

Length: - 44 cm long x 20 cm wide x 16cm wide

Circa: 1950-70

$490.00  Buy It Now
|Currency Exchange|