Canoe Prow Figurehead, Solomon Islandsnguzunguzu height 9in (23cm)ProvenanceReportedly from Barnard Castle, decommissioned from the Bowes Museum part of the George Brown Collection, a prominent collector based in the Solomon Islands in 1902 Private Collection, Oxford, United KingdomPrivate Collection, Sydney, AustraliaCarved with a tall rounded head, large circular ears, flaring nostrils, open mouth revealing upper and lower teeth, the arms reaching forward and holding an object in its hands below the chin; highlighted with pearl shell (Meleagrina margaritifera) inlay in the eyes, ears and the incised decorative motifs on the face (many of which are missing); a ridge to the back pierced with two holes for attachment to the canoe; varied light and dark brown patina with large areas of abrasions.