Two Superb Solomon Islands Ancient Shell Chief’s Ornaments Western Solomon Islands

Two Superb Solomon Islands Ancient Shell Chief’s Ornaments Western Solomon Islands

These two Ancient Chief’s Shell Ornaments are from the Western Solomon Islands. They are likely 200 + years old dating from the 18th Century, they are of the oldest type.

I had several 19th Century Barava or Bokolo or Zaru Chiefs Ornaments over the past 40 years but these oldest & the nicest examples I have ever owned. 

Both Ornaments have double totemic Hornbill Bird Heads at the top of the ornament, the one on the right in the photo has five smaller holes surrounding a central hole and a small part of the lower right corner is missing.

These very important objects were often broken when the Chief that owned them died, it was then placed on their memorial.  

Reference: Barava: land title deeds in fossil shell from the western Solomon Islands by Rhys Richards and Kenneth Roga Te Papa Museum of New Zealand (2004)

Provenance:  The Elizabeth Pryce Collection of Oceanic Art.

The Todd Barlin Collection of New Guinea & Solomon Islands Oceanic Art

I first went to Papua New Guinea in 1985 for an adventure & what I found was that I really enjoyed being with the people of New Guinea, over the next 38 years I spent extensive time spent collecting and documenting traditional art & ceremonies in remote areas of Papua New Guinea & West Papua, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu & the other Pacific Islands countries. During these travels, I made major collections of New Guinea & Oceanic Art for major Museums and Public Art Galleries

I was honoured by being in the prestigious Louvre Museum Magazine for the collections I made for The Museum of African & Oceanic Art Paris in1996 (now the Musee Quai Branly) for the exhibition “Asmat et Mimika d’ Irian Jaya April 1996 At THE MUSEE NATIONAL des ARTS D’AFRIQUE et d’ OCEANIE, Paris

See all of the links & photos in my new EXHIBITIONS GALLERY and there is the link to the article in the prestigious Louvre Magazine 1996

I have artwork for Museums & Art Galleries but also for collectors at every stage of their collecting. I want to encourage people to explore the fine art of New Guinea & West Papua and the Pacific Islands and to be able to see and touch the artworks in a relaxed and friendly manner in my Sydney Gallery.  I would like to invite you to visit my gallery and see the artworks in person and also look at my website www.oceanicartsaustralia.com  where there are many Galleries & Sub Galleries to explore.

My Gallery of nearly 40 years is the last physical gallery in Sydney that specialises in New Guinea & Oceanic Art. Sydney is just a couple hours’ flight to New Guinea & the Pacific Islands where all of these amazing artworks came from, Australia’s closest neighbours. 

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If you have a similar “object” for sale please contact me for the best price and honest advice by a Government approved valuer 

To see many more rare items and the finest masterpieces, please make an appointment with us to visit the gallery.

For all inquiries, please contact us.