A superb Solomon Islands Canoe Prow Ornament, Solomon Islands

the head with exaggerated features, the upturned protruding nose with pierced septum framed by inlaid black lip oyster shell (pinctada margaritifera) eyes and geometric design on the face; '1430' on bottom of base; fine encrusted blackened patina with residue.

Reportedly from a Private Collection in Tel Aviv
Werner Gillon, New York
James M. Silberman, Washington D.C., acquired from the above in the 1960s

good condition overall for an object of this rare type and extremely early period; age crack running through right side of face in front of crown, several minor age cracks through crusty surface around eyes and left side of nose, minor insect damage on bottom of jaw, the original decoration with shells on the crown missing but original cap made of resinous material still in tact, shell inlays partially missing on lower section on face, permanently mounted on base, held by one metal screw drilled in reverse of head; fine encrusted blackened patina with residue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Canoes from all parts of the Solomon Islands were decorated with intricate patterns of shell inlay and attached wooden carvings. Elaborate decoration was reserved for large canoes used in important public functions such as head hunting in the Western District, and ritual fishing expeditions in the Eastern District.

Most carved wood figure heads such as the offered lot were carved in the northwestern Solomons. Their existence is documented as early as the middle of the 18th century in the journal of the french soldier, navigator, and explorer, Louis de Bougainville, who gave his name to the northernmost island. Most figureheads are decorated with black lip oyster shell inlays in patterns which replicate those found on the faces of warriors. Early accounts by explorers in the region suggest the figureheads embodied spirits empowered to ward off other spirits which might cause dangerous storms and heavy seas during expeditions (British Museum Yearbook 1979: 205-209).