Ulawa Island, Makira Province, Eastern Solomon Islands
19th century – Collected 1893 or before
Provenance: English private collection
This charming little ceremonial bowl from Ulawa Island in the Eastern Solomons is decorated with cut sections of lustrous nautilus shell, artfully inlaid against a contrasting painted black surface consisting of black charcoal pigment and tree resin. Underneath the foot of the bowl is an early and enigmatic label, composed in French. Though sections of the label are missing, the date of 1893 and Ulawa are visible, as well as Mssr. Bishop.
Ulawa Island, Makira Province, Eastern Solomon Islands
19th century – Collected 1893 or before
Provenance: English private collection
This charming little ceremonial bowl from Ulawa Island in the Eastern Solomons is decorated with cut sections of lustrous nautilus shell, artfully inlaid against a contrasting painted black surface consisting of black charcoal pigment and tree resin. Underneath the foot of the bowl is an early and enigmatic label, composed in French. Though sections of the label are missing, the date of 1893 and Ulawa are visible, as well as Mssr. Bishop.
