Ancestor figure, bust
(late 19th century)
Medium
earth pigments on wood, shell
Measurements
(a-b) 41.4 × 24.3 × 24.2 cm (overall) (variable)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased NGV Foundation, 2010
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
New Georgia Island / Vella LaVella Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands
Accession Number
2010.371.a-b
Departments
Oceanic Sculpture / Pacific Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Physical description
The ancestor figure is carved in profile, its eyes and forehead inlaid with shells. The mouth is carved out and filled with shells forming two rows of teeth; its carved earlobes are bigger and extended, which is associated with women's beauty in the Solomons. The figure is adorned with shell money signifying wealth and status.