Two Superb Solomon Islands Ancient Shell Chief’s Ornaments Western Solomon Islands

Two Superb Solomon Islands Ancient Shell Chief’s Ornaments Western Solomon Islands

These two Ancient Chief’s Shell Ornaments are from the Western Solomon Islands. They are likely 200 + years old dating from the 18th Century, they are of the oldest type.

I had several 19th Century Barava or Bokolo or Zaru Chiefs Ornaments over the past 40 years but these oldest & the nicest examples I have ever owned. 

Both Ornaments have double totemic Hornbill Bird Heads at the top of the ornament, the one on the right in the photo has five smaller holes surrounding a central hole and a small part of the lower right corner is missing.

These very important objects were often broken when the Chief that owned them died, it was then placed on their memorial.  

Reference: Barava: land title deeds in fossil shell from the western Solomon Islands by Rhys Richards and Kenneth Roga Te Papa Museum of New Zealand (2004)

Provenance:  The Elizabeth Pryce Collection of Oceanic Art.

The Todd Barlin Collection of New Guinea & Solomon Islands Oceanic Art

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