Solomon Islands
Mid-19th century
Iron, wood
Height: 27 in (68.6 cm)
Provenance: Marie Ange Ciolkowska, Paris, purchased prior to 1960
Trade axes from the Solomon Islands combine introduced iron blades with locally made hafts, reflecting the incorporation of European materials into existing Oceanic weapon and prestige-object traditions. In the Solomons, objects of this type moved between registers — tool, weapon, and exchange object — depending on context and the standing of their owner. The collar of copper or brass tacks at the blade-haft junction, visible in the photograph, is a decorative addition consistent with the local elaboration of trade forms across the region.
The iron blade retains its original profile, the haft darkened throughout to a deep tone through age and handling. The piece shares provenance with two paddles from the same Paris collection, all acquired prior to 1960, suggesting a collector with a sustained interest in Solomon Islands material. The overall form is direct and well-preserved, the combination of introduced blade and local haft intact.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Solomon Islands
Mid-19th century
Iron, wood
Height: 27 in (68.6 cm)
Provenance: Marie Ange Ciolkowska, Paris, purchased prior to 1960
Trade axes from the Solomon Islands combine introduced iron blades with locally made hafts, reflecting the incorporation of European materials into existing Oceanic weapon and prestige-object traditions. In the Solomons, objects of this type moved between registers — tool, weapon, and exchange object — depending on context and the standing of their owner. The collar of copper or brass tacks at the blade-haft junction, visible in the photograph, is a decorative addition consistent with the local elaboration of trade forms across the region.
The iron blade retains its original profile, the haft darkened throughout to a deep tone through age and handling. The piece shares provenance with two paddles from the same Paris collection, all acquired prior to 1960, suggesting a collector with a sustained interest in Solomon Islands material. The overall form is direct and well-preserved, the combination of introduced blade and local haft intact.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
