Staff (Serubule)
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-staffs, scepters, & wands
Date20th Century
Made AtWestern Province, Solomon Islands
MediumWood, cord, mother-of-pearl, clam and shell
Dimensions22 × 3 3/4 × 1/2 in. (55.9 × 9.5 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase provided by the Jordan Community Trust
Object number2003.22.3
DescriptionOpen-worked, ring-shaped, and other carved shells are each unique in purpose and value among the peoples inhabiting the Roviana Lagoon region. Many shell rings, for instance, were placed in ancestor shrines and found in other significant ritual sites. The serubule combines a variety of ritually significant and highly valuable shells making it a particularly powerful and magical warring charm. In the possession of a chief or person of importance, it was carried on board elaborate war canoes during headhunting voyages to ensure success.On View
On viewCollections
20th Century
19th-20th Century
20th Century
late 20th Century
