Record

CollectionABDUA University of Aberdeen, Human Culture Collection
Object Namecarving head
head
canoe ornament
Object NumberABDUA:5996
Other NumberG73+1; G18M
Other Number Typeold number; old number
Brief DescriptionPrognathous head (lower part of the face protruding), with hat carved in wood, hands clasped beneath chin. Blackened with putty-nut resin, ear lobes extended into loops (possibly mother of pearl ear insets missing?) white of eyes in mother of pearl. Mounted on prow of canoe at waterline to act as guardian against hazards, used on head-hunting expeditions. (Was first recorded in Reid's 1912 catalogue as " rat-safe " reason unknown). Ols number written on base in white. New number written on in white in on back.
DimensionsH: 135 mm W: 102 mm
Materialswood, shell, mother of pearl, resin, (putty-nut)
ConditionGood
Completenessincomplete
Completeness Noteear lobe broken
Techniquecarved, inset
MakerSolomon Is
Object Production Date1800-1898
Place KeyMelanesia, Solomon Islands
Association Type Placefindspot
Field CollectorMacGregor, Sir William Sir
Publication NoteReid, R W, 1912, Catalogue of Specimens deposited by Sir William MacGregor in the Anthropological Museum, University of Aberdeen, 1899-1909, p8, Item 18; Hunt, C, 1981, Shark Tooth and Stone Blade, University of Aberdeen, Item 41, p9 & 27.;
Aquisition SourceMacGregor, Sir William
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