Solomon Islands Prestige Wooden Staff

This prestige staff showcases a pierced diamond shaped top terminal displaying two carved faces on either side, scalloped and chevron bands, the faceted shaft with diamond shapes to the grip; the wood very light in weight. For a very similar example see the French museum: Musee du quai Branly, Inventory number: 70.2014.15.1 Probably functional war club associated with warlike and headhunting raids which were frequent, until the British pacification imposed at the end of the 19th century, between the Santa Isabel region and the New Georgia archipelago in the West. The detailed work of the motifs could suggest that this weapon could also have a ceremonial or prestige function in war dances intended to ensure, before departure, the success of the expedition. The visual impact of patterns is fundamental for the perception and effectiveness of oceanic objects. The crocodile motif is very frequently associated, in the west of the Solomon Islands, with the aggressive values implied by the practice of headhunting. We find this crocodile motif carved in a round shape on other masses or on large ceremonial plaques used in honor of the great headhunters after an expedition or even on decorative elements of war canoes.
Dimensions
82cm long.
Condition Report
Good overall, with burnish brown patina and wear, a small crack on the grip.