Janus-Headed Finial, Solomon Islands

with an inventory number painted in black at lower edge: "4653".

Jay C. Leff, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, by 1959
Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, February 7, 1970, lot 140
Private Collection, New York, acquired at the above auction

Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, Exotic Art from Ancient and Primitive Civilizations, the Collection of Jay C. Leff, October 15, 1959 - January 3, 1960

Walter A. Fairservis, Jr., Exotic Art from Ancient and Primitive Civilizations, Collection of Jay C. Leff, Pittsburgh, 1959, p. 23, no. 148

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips consistent with age and use. Tips of "fins" with old breaks. Cut underneath. Inventory number "4653" painted underneath heads on one side. Nail holes. Minor age cracks. Fine dark brown aged patina.
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.

The function of this intriguing object is not precisely known.  Two fin-shaped projections emerge from a platform atop the Janiform head, and seem to represent animal forms, either the fins of an aquatic animal or the upstretched wings of a bird or butterfly.  These are closely related to similar forms observed on a fishnet float recorded by Edge-Partington and Heape (1898: 35, no. 4, then in Edge-Partington's own collection).  Such fishnet floats had a functional as well as a ritual purpose, in holding the tops of large communal fishnets up at the surface (while stone weights held the opposite end down), and ensuring supernatural assistance for a successful catch; see Kjellren (2007: 172) for a discussion of an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.  The present carving may alternatively be an ornament from a canoe or a shrine figure.  See Waite (1990: 50, fig. 5.11) for a Janus-headed finial atop the prow of a Solomon Islands canoe.