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 valued objects in Solomon Islands ceremonial life, worn by men of standing during important occasions. The frigate bird at the center of the crescent was a widely recognized image across parts of Melanesia and Polynesia, associated with fishing skill, speed, and spiritual power. Objects of this kind moved through inter-island exchange networks as prestige goods, with value tied to material, imagery, and the status of the owner.
The pectoral is cut from a single piece of turtle shell, whose natural translucency gives the surface tones ranging from cream to amber. The frigate bird is rendered in stylized silhouette at the center of the concave face, with outstretched wings and forked tail clearly visible. The fiber suspension cord remains intact, and the object is presented on a custom display stand.
Please note: This is an ESA antique-exempt turtle shell object. 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 valued objects in Solomon Islands ceremonial life, worn by men of standing during important occasions. The frigate bird at the center of the crescent was a widely recognized image across parts of Melanesia and Polynesia, associated with fishing skill, speed, and spiritual power. Objects of this kind moved through inter-island exchange networks as prestige goods, with value tied to material, imagery, and the status of the owner.
The pectoral is cut from a single piece of turtle shell, whose natural translucency gives the surface tones ranging from cream to amber. The frigate bird is rendered in stylized silhouette at the center of the concave face, with outstretched wings and forked tail clearly visible. The fiber suspension cord remains intact, and the object is presented on a custom display stand.
Please note: This is an ESA antique-exempt turtle shell object. 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.
