French ANCESTRAL Solomon Islands TROPHY SKULL MODEL, Based

Shell discs for eyes, a tusk for a smile, and a net of rattan holding it all together.

This ancestral Solomon Islands trophy skull model is from France and dates to the 20th century. It is rattan. In parts of Melanesia, skulls were traditionally decorated and preserved as part of ancestor and trophy practices, and museum models like this reproduce those forms for study and display. The model is bound with a lattice of rattan strips. White shell discs sit in the eye sockets, a pierced shell plaque covers the nose, and a curved tusk ornament spans the mouth. Shell rings mark the ears and crown. It stands on a black metal mount, 20.5 inches high.

Made for the museum, and dressed for the occasion.