Solomon Islands
Carved male figure - Maraufu Boy
Darkened and incised soft wood, shell inlay, natural ochres, bamboo strips and n
65 x 26 x 14cm

Carved Marufu boy initiate with neck bands and ornate shell knee cap decoration. The carved wooden shield is decorated with frigate bird symbol used in initiation ceremonies. Incised decorations represent the shell money pride belt. Skilled craftsmen carved the soft wood Alstoiaa Scholaris that was then darkened by a mixture of charcoal and natural plant sap and inlaid with nautilus shell.