Rattan shield, called "lava lava", Solomon Islands. - Lot 326

Rattan shield, called "lava lava", Solomon Islands. A wickerwork shield with rounded ends. Despite the stains caused by age and travel, the usual decorations on this type of shield are still visible. At the top, an abstract motif in the shape of a long inverted cradle dominates a set of three fine black lines. These lines are repeated at the bottom of the shield, forming a kind of rectangle that isolates the other motifs. The last of these, at the lower end, depicts a stylized frigate, wings outstretched. This bird is of central importance in Solomon culture (and more generally in many South Pacific island cultures). According to Bill Evans (see bibliography), citing Deborah Waite, a specialist in this archipelago, the round ends of this shield would place its geographical origin in the Nggela Islands (Florida) or Guadalcanal. Stains and missing pieces (broken grips on back). Solomon Islands. Dimensions: 76.5 cm long, 24.5 cm wide. Estimated dating: End of the 19th century to first third of the 20th century Provenance : - Acquired by Georges Alliou - By descent Selective bibliography : - Harry BERAN & Barry CRAIG, Shields of Melanesia, Hawai'i University Press, 2005; pp. 241-242, fig. 8.24 (p.244) - Deborah WAITE & Kevin CONRU, Trésors des îles Salomon, 5 Continents, Milan, 2008; pp. 137-142, fig. 81. Corpus for comparison: - British Museum (London): Oc1972,Q.86 - Lot 103, Pierre Bergé et associés, Paris - April 02, 2012