Santa Cruz Archipelago, Solomon Islands
Coconut wood, scarlet honeyeater feathers, fiber wrapping
Length 12 1/2"
Provenance: Private collector, Texas
Noaipu are ceremonial hair ornaments from the Santa Cruz Archipelago, made from coconut wood shafts wrapped in red feathers of the scarlet honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis), with bands of contrasting blue, yellow, black, and white feathers at intervals along the shaft. The birds were not killed; sap from the mulberry tree was spread on a branch to attract and temporarily immobilize them, select feathers were plucked, and the birds were then released. Noaipu were worn in the hair during ceremonies as a display of wealth and were among the most prized objects in the Santa Cruz exchange system. Offered as a matched pair. Please note your preferred pair (e, f, g, or h) in the order notes at checkout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Santa Cruz Archipelago, Solomon Islands
Coconut wood, scarlet honeyeater feathers, fiber wrapping
Length 12 1/2"
Provenance: Private collector, Texas
Noaipu are ceremonial hair ornaments from the Santa Cruz Archipelago, made from coconut wood shafts wrapped in red feathers of the scarlet honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis), with bands of contrasting blue, yellow, black, and white feathers at intervals along the shaft. The birds were not killed; sap from the mulberry tree was spread on a branch to attract and temporarily immobilize them, select feathers were plucked, and the birds were then released. Noaipu were worn in the hair during ceremonies as a display of wealth and were among the most prized objects in the Santa Cruz exchange system. Offered as a matched pair. Please note your preferred pair (e, f, g, or h) in the order notes at checkout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
