Solomon Islands
Early 20th century
Turtle shell, fiber cord
Height: 8¼ in (21 cm); Width: 3 in (7.6 cm)
Provenance: Bruce Seamans, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Crescent pectorals of this type were among the most valued objects in Solomon Islands ceremonial life, worn by men of standing during important occasions and constituting a significant share of household wealth. The frigate bird depicted at the center of the crescent was a sacred image across much of Melanesia and Polynesia, associated with fishing skill, speed, and spiritual power. Objects of this form moved through inter-island exchange networks as prestige goods, their value tied to the material, the imagery, and the social standing of their owner.
The crescent is cut from a single piece of turtle shell, the natural translucency of the material giving the surface a warm, variable tone from cream to amber. The frigate bird figure is rendered in a stylized silhouette at the center of the concave face, its outstretched wings and forked tail clearly legible against the pale ground. The fiber suspension cord remains intact, the piece presented on a custom display stand.
Please note: This is an ESA antique-exempt piece of turtle shell. It cannot be sold internationally or to buyers residing in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. The piece is guaranteed to predate 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Solomon Islands
Early 20th century
Turtle shell, fiber cord
Height: 8¼ in (21 cm); Width: 3 in (7.6 cm)
Provenance: Bruce Seamans, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Crescent pectorals of this type were among the most valued objects in Solomon Islands ceremonial life, worn by men of standing during important occasions and constituting a significant share of household wealth. The frigate bird depicted at the center of the crescent was a sacred image across much of Melanesia and Polynesia, associated with fishing skill, speed, and spiritual power. Objects of this form moved through inter-island exchange networks as prestige goods, their value tied to the material, the imagery, and the social standing of their owner.
The crescent is cut from a single piece of turtle shell, the natural translucency of the material giving the surface a warm, variable tone from cream to amber. The frigate bird figure is rendered in a stylized silhouette at the center of the concave face, its outstretched wings and forked tail clearly legible against the pale ground. The fiber suspension cord remains intact, the piece presented on a custom display stand.
Please note: This is an ESA antique-exempt piece of turtle shell. It cannot be sold internationally or to buyers residing in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. The piece is guaranteed to predate 1972.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
