A Fine Prestige Wooden Staff Solomon Islands, Late 19th/early 20th century.This prestige staff

A Fine Prestige Wooden Staff Solomon Islands, Late 19th/early 20th century.This prestige staff showcases a pierced diamond shaped top terminal displaying two carved faces on either side, scalloped and chevron bands, the faceted shaft with diamond shapes to the grip; the wood very light in weight, Provenance: From the collection of Jean-Pierre Laprugne, Paris. Condition: Good overall, dark brown age related patina and wear, and a small crack on the grip. For a very similar example see the French museum: Musée du quai Branly, Inventory number: 70.2014.15.1 Probably functional war club associated with warlike and headhunting raids which were frequent, until the British pacification imposed at the end of the 19th century, between the Santa Isabel region and the New Georgia archipelago in the West. The detailed work of the motifs could suggest that this weapon could also have a ceremonial or prestige function in war dances intended to ensure, before departure, the success of the expedition. The visual impact of patterns is fundamental for the perception and effectiveness of oceanic objects. The crocodile motif is very frequently associated, in the west of the Solomon Islands, with the aggressive values ​​implied by the practice of headhunting. We find this crocodile motif carved in a round shape on other masses or on large ceremonial plaques used in honor of the great headhunters after an expedition or even on decorative elements of war canoes. 82cm long. Good overall, with dark brown age related patina and wear, and a small crack on the grip.