Decorated Skull Item Number: C341 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Human skull features built up with dark coloured clay. Traces of shell inlay across forehead and on chin.
Narrative
According to the collector, Frank Burnett, "[Solomon Islanders] believing that the 'Mana' of the dead was centred in the head, carefully preserved the skulls of their dead heroes, and moulded upon them a paste formed of lime and candlenuts, or else plastic clay which they skilfully modelled into a facsimile of the features of the deceased. When this had nearly set it was stained with a black viscuous gum applied hot into which were inlaid pieces of pearl shell forming artistic patterns ... [t]he eyes were formed of perculums. The heads so prepared were placed inside a shrine with carved posts and surrounded by a fence, and termed a 'Vunaha'."
Item History
- Made in Malaita, Solomon Islands before 1909
- Collected during 1909
- Owned by Frank Burnett before 1927
- Received from Frank Burnett (Donor) on July 25, 1927
What
Who
- Culture
- Solomon Islands
- Previous Owner
- Frank Burnett
- Received from
- Frank Burnett (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Malaita, Solomon Islands
When
- Creation Date
- before 1909
- Collection Date
- during 1909
- Ownership Date
- before 1927
- Acquisition Date
- on July 25, 1927
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2191/0733