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Solomon Labyrinth
In stock
SKU
WMET0098
Our Inspiration:Shield (Grere’o)
Solomon Islands, possibly New Georgia or Guadalcanal Island, Western province
Fiber, parinarium-nut paste, chambered-nautilus shell, pigment; early-to-mid-19th century
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection,
Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972 1978.412.730
Shell-inlaid shields are among the most remarkable and enigmatic art forms from the Solomon Islands. Each surviving example features an elongated human figure surrounded by labyrinthine designs. It appears that they were all created in the first half of the 19th century, most likely on the islands of Guadalcanal and New Georgia, and then traded to neighboring groups. The function of this particular shield was almost certainly ceremonial. Owning such a shield would have communicated the wealth, status, and identity of its bearer.
Our Inspiration:Shield (Grere’o)
Solomon Islands, possibly New Georgia or Guadalcanal Island, Western province
Fiber, parinarium-nut paste, chambered-nautilus shell, pigment; early-to-mid-19th century
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection,
Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972 1978.412.730
Shell-inlaid shields are among the most remarkable and enigmatic art forms from the Solomon Islands. Each surviving example features an elongated human figure surrounded by labyrinthine designs. It appears that they were all created in the first half of the 19th century, most likely on the islands of Guadalcanal and New Georgia, and then traded to neighboring groups. The function of this particular shield was almost certainly ceremonial. Owning such a shield would have communicated the wealth, status, and identity of its bearer.