Ca. 19th century AD. >
A pairing of two objects from the Pacific, each reflecting a different dimension of material culture - ceremonial display and practical craftsmanship.

The upper object is a finely carved wooden canoe ornament, likely once affixed to the prow or side of a ceremonial seafaring vessel. Its elongated, slightly curved form is animated by intricate, flowing scrollwork carved in low relief. These interlacing motifs create a sense of movement and rhythm, echoing both ocean currents and the prestige associated with long-distance exchange voyages such as the Kula trade.

At one end, a perforation suggests attachment to the canoe structure, while the broader terminal displays denser carving, possibly emphasising symbolic or protective imagery.

Below is a curved, comb-like stone implement composed of a series of evenly carved ribs. Each rib is carefully shaped and aligned, with small perforations along the base indicating that the piece may once have been hafted, bound, or attached to another element—perhaps as part of a composite tool. >
Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014. >
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Size: 145-170mm x 25-50mm; Weight: 70g >
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---------------------以下為軟件翻譯，僅供參考---------------------