nguzunguzu

Canoe prow figure head called an Nguzu nguzu. These traditional figureheads were affixed to canoes in the Solomon Islands. The figure head has an elongated crown (possibly a war-cap), jutting jaw and circular ear ornaments. Mother of pearl inlay is used to decorate the face of the figure, firstly by illustrating the eyes and secondly with hourglass shaped inlays, used to define the facial features. Below the figures head are arms which are grasped together, holding another head.

From western Solomon Islands. These figureheads were attached to the prows of voyaging canoes near the waterline to watch out for dangerous sea spirits.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
25.193
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 278 x 137 x 110 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; mother of pearl; glass
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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