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Solomon Islands Santa Cruz Hand Carved Conical Head "Duka" Figure, 1930s

About the Item

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, Nendo Island, Solomon Islands duka gourd, wood, fiber, shell, turmeric, black pigments height 12 3/4in (33.4cm), ex Scott Duggleby, realized $21,250 with buyers premium. We have been dealing in authentic Tribal, European, Chinese, and Japanese Fine Arts including garden ornaments, for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe, and across America each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Tribal and Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Width: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
    Solomon Islands
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    South Burlington, VT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU128926628903

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