Solomon Island Lime Stick NEW INFO

An extremely rare lime stick representing a standing ancestor figure holding his hands to his chin. The figure is carved in full 3-D and powerfully rendered. Figurative lime-sticks are excessively rare in the corpus of Solomon art. Perhaps they were the exclusive property of high ranking chiefs or priests.

Solomon Islands, Melanesia. Hard brown wood (possibly Kwila), white glass trade beads, putty nut (parinarium), nautilus shell inlay, with lime highlights and bleaching. The figure is well worn and there are definite signs of usage and wear including bleaching and erosion of the wood due to the acid reaction of the lime. 27 cm. 19th century.
 

Provenance Ex Mr. & Mrs. Van Raalte collection, Berkshire, UK, acquired circa 1970’s.

Literature: See similar examples in Phelps, Steven : ART AND ARTEFACTS OF THE PACIFIC, AFRICA, AND THE AMERICAS-THE JAMES HOOPER COLLECTION. Hutchinson & Co. LTD. and Christie’s, Manson & Woods, London. 1975, N° 1177, pl. 174, pp. 252/436 ; and another ex Gal. Meyer published : fig. 12 in ART of the SOLOMON ISLANDS and a selection of early Oceanic Master Works. Galerie Meyer - Oceanic Art catalogue for TEFAF, 2011. A similar example is in the British Museum donated by Rev. R. B. Comins 12 Jany. 1891. N° Oc1891C2.4898a.