Lot n° 24
Estimation :
8000 - 10000
EUR
Ngnuzunguzu pirogue bow ornament, New Georgia Island - Lot 24
Ngnuzunguzu pirogue bow ornament, New Georgia Island
Solomon Islands
Wood, parinarium nut resin, nautilus mother-of-pearl
Height: 20 cm
Provenance: Private collection
- Private collection France
Hanging from the bow of a pirogue during an expedition, "the nguzunguzu... was supposed to observe, intercept, react and interact with any malevolent spirits encountered during the voyage. These little figures were essential to the success of the headhunting expeditions to the neighboring islands, which played a central role in the religious, economic and political life of the
Solomon Islands before the British pacified the islands at the turn of the 20th century. E. Hviding, Les vies des nguzunguzu. Figures de proue de Nouvelle-Géorgie, L'Eclat des ombres, l'art en noir et blanc des
Solomon Islands, 2014, p.124
More importantly, the nguzunguzu served to protect individuals against the Kesoko spirit, omnipresent during sea voyages, which prevented all human action, and whose destructive power was activated only if someone blinked. The nguzunguzu's intense, fixed gaze, his large eyes always open, guaranteed protection.
The small dimensions that distinguish this ngnuzunguzu exacerbate its fine sculptural qualities: delicate modeling and fine mother-of-pearl inlays contrast with the depth of the dark patina. Classical styling: head with prognathic chin supported by fists in the extension of outstretched arms.
This figurehead is characterized by the lack of the mother-of-pearl inlay band that adorns many
Nguzunguzu. A similar model was donated by Sir William Macgregor in 1920 to the Anthropological
Museum in Aberdeen.
More importantly, the nguzunguzu served to protect individuals against the Kesoko spirit, omnipresent on sea voyages, which prevented all human action, and whose destructive power was activated only if someone blinked. The nguzunguzu's intense, fixed gaze, his large eyes always open, guaranteed total protection.
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