Long Dance Wand with Ancestor Figure – Malaita Island, Solomon Islands An impressive and rare ceremonial dance wand from Malaita Island, Solomon Islands, collected in the field during the 1990s. The wand is carved from a single piece of hardwood and is decorated with an intriguing ancestral figure, rendered in a stylized yet expressive form typical of traditional Malaitan carving. Objects of this type were used in ritual dances and ceremonial performances, where dancers carried long wands or staffs as extensions of their movements. The carved ancestor likely represents a spiritual presence or clan ancestor, evoking protection, continuity, and the authority of tradition during communal ceremonies. The figure displays a strong sculptural character: elongated proportions, carefully shaped facial features, and a body posture suggesting vigilance and presence. The surface of the wood shows a natural patina from age and handling, reinforcing its authenticity and long use within a cultural context. Dance wands from Malaita are rarely encountered, especially examples retaining a carved ancestral figure and collected directly in the field. Details • Origin: Malaita Island, Solomon Islands • Object: Ceremonial dance wand / ritual staff • Material: Carved hardwood • Decoration: Stylized ancestor figure • Collection: Field collected in the 1990s • Condition: Good, with age, use wear, and a natural patina • Provenance: Private collection A striking ethnographic object combining ritual significance, sculptural presence, and authentic field provenance. Pieces of this type are seldom available on the market and make compelling additions to collections of Melanesian ceremonial Packed with care Sending worldwide Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums   Google:Papua Blues Koos Knol