Solomon Islands Abstract Sculptures

This vintage 19th century work of art is an exceptionally detailed richly patinated bronze sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. It represents the goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, awakening from her earthly sleep. Her head is adorned with a floral headband...

A very finely woven wool veil used as a head cover in the wedding ceremony among the Ait Abdellah Berber people of the Moroccan Anti Atlas region. The pattern is obtained with the re...

Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.

Dancing Woman White Alabaster Sculpture, early 20th century, her top and skirt with beaded trim and remnants of black paint, on base with floral tile floor design, apparently unsigne...

Early 20th century porcelain pig. Beautifully patinated and crackled creamy white glaze. Quite possibly an old piggy bank, fed through bottom since slot ...

Originally collected in the Solomon Islands in 1938, this one of a kind treasure from the south pacific comes from a private oceanic collection. This is a Solomon Islands Santa Cruz hand carved figure called a Duka, circa 1930s. It was carved in an extremely hard native wood and features a finely carved, unusual extended conical head, a handwoven loin cloth and turmeric encrustation. For your convenience, many of our photographs were taken in natural day light which accurately illuminate surface areas depicting original dark patina that you would expect from an important early carving such as this one. We will include a complimentary custom wood display base that you see photographed. Dimensions: 21.25 inches high Provenance: collected in l938 and originally acquired by a visiting French collecting tourist in the Solomon Islands then to dealer and Texas collector and to our private collection in year 2000 so could have been a specially crafted fine 1930s tourist sculpture piece for the visiting French tourist. History: Duka sculpture from Nendo Island, politically part of the Solomon Islands, is distinctive, and only a limited number of works have been documented. The conical extension at the back of the head represents a man's hairstyle. Called abe, its construction and shape was a symbol of wealth and high social status, and for older men, it also served the practical purpose of covering bald spots. All Nendo figure refer to deities or supernatural beings (Ellis: 2009, pp. 78-85) Auction sale: Bonhams Auctions April 28, 2015 sale. Exceptional Lime Container...

A very finely woven wool veil used as a head scarf in the wedding ceremony among the Ait Abdallah Berber people of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas region. The pattern is obtained with the re...

Carved Swiss early 20th century bear.

West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...

Early 20th century metal hanging amulet from native culture in Brazil. Known as 'Penca de Balangadas' was used in the ancient times as an amulet by the scale population in Brazil. ...

Early 20th Century Alabaster Polar Bear A fine early 20th century carved alabaster sculpture of a polar bear. Additional information: Origin: France Period: Circa 1925, 20th Centu...

18th century or earlier, (Ottoman Empire) pair of Turkish bath clogs with mother-of-pearl inlay these are a beautiful decorative object d' art whic...

Ceremonial camel cover rug. A large animal trapping, most probably a ceremonial cover for a camel made of felted wool and decorated with embroidered motif...

Bamileke throne made with wood, coated with jute, embroidered with polychrome glass beads, cowrie snails, embroidery with glass beads that are missing in some areas. In the Grassfiel...

Hand made leather elephant sculpture. Original condition. Likely an Anglo-Indian era import. Faux ivory tusks. Would make a great adornment to a bookshelf or desk. Would fit well i...