a Nguzunguzu

It's very cold today, just the day for a nostalgic trip to the South Seas.

This carving is a modern version of a Nguzunguzu, a war canoe guardian from the Solomon Islands. Back in the old days Nguzunguzu were lashed to the bows of  war canoes, just above the waterline, to ensure their safe passage. It is carved from teak and inlaid with mother of pearl, probably nautilus shell. We bought the carving in Fiji, in 1972 at the first South Pacific Arts Festival.

You can read more about these guardians, and see some original ones here.