Collection Online

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.