Solomon Islands Stone Pestle with Lizard Relief

A stone pestle, Western Provence, Solomon Islands, 19th century. Used for grinding foods and plant fibres. Carved from a single piece of stone, this pestle is of a long cylindrical form with a slight flare running down to the rounded end. In raised relief to the handle are two lizards stretched up the form. Length 16.54 in., depth 1.97 in. Provenance: Private Collection, Aotearoa. Previously of a private collection Honiara, Solomon Islands