Melanesian Erenge Shell Currency Rings on Stand
Three Erenge shell currency rings, Melanesia, used as currency or owned as prestige items. Made from the upper portions of shell of a Tridacna, a species of large clam. Largest length 5.20 in., depth 5.12 in., on stand height 9.53 in.
Solomon Islands Parrying Club
Solomon Islands parrying club, Medial ridge to the blade, tapering shaft. San Christobel. Reference: 'The sheilds of Melanesia' (pp. 253). 47.24 in. length
Lord Freyberg's Rare 19th Century Wakahuia with Polynesian Influence
A rare and important early 19th century Wakahuia collected by Lord Freyberg, oval rounded elongated form. The body of the box uncarved. Each side carved with figures in high relief. One figure with robust body with arms to the sides with open mouth, decora
Melanesian Carved Wood Stool with Female Figure
A Melanesian carved wood stool, the circular top supported on a female figure with a baby carried on her back, height 14.57 in. Provenance: The estate collection of Michael Higgs, (Tribal Artefacts, Polynesian Arts & Crafts, Private & Museum Supplies…
Melanesian Tridacna Shell Discs on Pedestals
Three Melanesian discs of Tridacna shells (Tridacna gigas), raised on pedestals. Originally used as local currency and symbols of prestige. Largestmm, depth 8.27 in.
Rodent-Proofed Melanesian Food Hook
A Melanesian food hook, with unusual rodent proofing disc fitted to the shaft above a double flattened hook, height 20.08 in.
Melanesian Fishing Spear, 277 cm Long
A long old Melanesian fishing spear, with plain circular shaft and tapering 'barbed' tip. Length 109.06 in.
Melanesian Canoe Ornaments
Two old Melanesian canoe ornaments. Massim canoe mast attachment in the shape of a bird, used to tie off the sail. Utian Island, Lousade Archipelago; old Humboldt Bay canoe prow with its carved gunwales; and mudfish canoe prow, lower Sepik or Chambri Lakes
Early Melanesian Clubs: Tolai and Bena Bena
Two early Melanesian clubs, including a classic Tolai club of plain form, early 20th century, New Britain; and Bena Bena (Kuka Kuka) club with flat, round stone disk head, early 20th century. David Said Collection.
Melanesian Serpent Head Sculpture
Melanesian carved and painted sculpture, wood, with red, black, white and yellow pigments, the stylised head surmounted by a snake eating a lizard, height 25.20 in. Provenance: The Estate of Ray Hughes
Melanesian Male Carved Figure with Geometric Motifs
Melanesian carved male figure, wood, feathers and natural earth pigments, painted with geometric motifs, height 47.24 in. Provenance: The Estate of Ray Hughes
Melanesian Ceremonial Adze, Late 19th-20th Century
A ceremonial adze, Melanesian, late 19th early 20th century, carved wood with remains of painted finish, 23.62 in. high
Melanesian War Club, 19th Century, Carved Wood, 87cm Long
A Melanesian war club, New Caledonia, 19th century, carved wood, 34.25 in. long
Melanesian Hook Mask: Superb Carving with Pigment Traces
Melanesian hook mask superbly carved with traces of red, white and black pigment, height 31.50 in.
Melanesian Greenstone Ceremonial Axe Blade
A Melanesian (Cook Islands) greenstone ceremonial axe blade of trapeziod outline, bearing paper label of McAlpine Collection, pre 1880, 10.63 in. long, 3.15 in. wide. Provenance: The Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green (M2756), Erasmus & Co
Melanesian Green Stone Adze
Melanesian Adze. Flattened ovoid form with sharp cutting edge, Dark green stone. Early soft patina. Height 6.54 in. Width 3.54 in.
Solomon Islands Breastplate
A breastplate, Solomon Islands, Melanesia (circa 1900), pearl shell, tortoise shell, beads and bush string, 13.39 in. x 7.09 in. Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney
Porpoise Tooth Necklace from Western Solomon Islands
A fine porpoise tooth and beaded necklace, Western Solomon Islands, Melanesia (circa 1900), porpoise teeth, beads and bush string, 13.39 in. long. Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney
Melanesian Funerary Canoe Inlaid with Pearl Shell
A model funerary canoe, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal or Nggela Island, Melanesia (circa 1900), inlaid pearl shell and resin on carved wood, 38.98 in. long. For two closely related examples see, Kevin Conru, Solomon Islands Art, Musumeci Spa, Italy, 2008, pp.…
Melanesian Grass Skirts from Tilly Collection
Two Melanesian grass skirts. Provenance: from the collection of Thomas Capel Tilly, Royal naval officer, who came to the Pacific on the HM Cordelia, later becoming the Commander of the Melanesian Mission's ship the ' Southern cross.'. Length 21.65 in.…
Solomon Islands Shell Money Necklace
A Solomon Islands shell money necklace. Made from Conus shells. Provenance: Collected by Captain Tilly, Captain of the Melanesian Mission ship 'The Southern cross.' Literature: an almost identical necklace pictured in Roger Neich and Fuli Pereira's 'Pacifi
Long Stylised Wood Crocodile Carving
A Melanesian wood crocodile carving of long stylised carved form and worn dark stain. Length 39.37 in.