Solomon Islands Ceremonial Axe Head

A large stone ceremonial axe head, Makira Island, Solomon Islands, carved in a circular form, the axe head would have been lashed to a wood shaft handle. A central grooved haft wouth have cradled the handle. At the butt of the blade is a carved an anthropomorphic face with downturned features. Small losses to the blade edge suggest that the axe would have been used. Length 10.43 in., width 10.04 in., depth 2.95 in. Provenance: Private Collection, Aotearoa. Previously of a private collection Honiara, Solomon Islands