Vintage Solomon Islands Nguzu Nguzu Solid Wood Pearl Inlay Head, Oceanic Art Sculpture handcrafted.

A CANOE PROW ORNAMENT

In the western Solomon Islands, canoes were essential to transportation, fishing, and warfare. They were lavishly adorned. The centerpiece of the prow was a distinctive figurehead, known variously as a nguzu nguzu, musu musu, or toto isu. Attached at the waterline so that it dipped in the sea as the canoe rode the waves, the figurehead reportedly served as a supernatural protector ensuring safe passage and a successful expedition.