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Now Listed with NO RESERVE!! This superb Canoe Prow figurehead, which I am reluctantly parting with this week, was collected in the late 20's and it is an elegant and sophisticated carving. Figureheads such as these were once attached to the war canoes in New Georgia Islands, Choiseul and Santa Isabel. When a prow figurehead like this was ready to be attached holes were pecked into the fixing beam at the back for attachment to the canoe. This example was presented to the previous owner's family in the 20's as a gesture of respect prior to attachment.
Most recorded descriptions of war canoes and canoe prow figureheads occur in the accounts of visitors, government officials, and others between the 1880s and 1930s. Until late in the nineteenth century, war canoes-distinguished by their size and extensive amount of shell-inlaid decoration were numerous in the islands of the Western District of the Solomon Islands. So were their figureheads: one was attached to every large canoe and many smaller ones carried them as well. In the final years of the nineteenth century, warriors from New Georgia gradually ceased their headhunting raids on villages on Santa Isabel, Choiseul, and other islands, due in part to pressure by the British colonial government and the influence of missionary groups.
This marvelous example measures 27cm (10.5") in height and is sold with a custom made metal display stand. I guarantee this example to be exactly as I describe and I am sure the winning bidder will be delighted with this superb object. Also attached are images of a very similar example held in the prestigious South Australian Museum collection. This museum's example has collection notes - "canoe ornament of carved human head, Ruviana". Note the form and appearance of age are very similar. NO RESERVE - So Bid with Confidence!
Shipping worldwide for this piece will cost $59 USD using airmail postage or $120 USD using FedEx. The buyer can also arrange shipping. Postage within Australia will cost $27 using TNT courier.
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