Canoe Prow Ornament (Nguzu Nguzu)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-canoe ornaments

Date19th Century

Made AtWestern Province, Solomon Islands

MediumWood, mother-of-pearl and pigment

Dimensions12 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 6 3/4 in. (32.1 × 9.2 × 17.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dwight V. Strong

Object number84.37.12

DescriptionThese carved canoe prows have and still continue to play an important role in Solomon Islands culture. The prow has an anthropomorphic head with forward extended arms, hands clasped together, sometimes grasping a small head of a bird. Shell inlays are also very important as well. Placed as close to the waterline as possible the prow figure was intended to be seen splitting the water. The figure while human looking also was considered an ocean spirit that permitted safe passage for the canoe and its warriors as they sailed toward the destination of their battle.

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