Ξύλινο σφυρί για τελετουργική χρήση. - Νησί Γίζο - Νήσοι Σολομώντος (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Old Ritual Pounder for Ngali Nuts – Gizo Island, Solomon Islands

A fine and authentic wooden pounder originating from Gizo Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. This object was traditionally used in the preparation of ngali nuts (Canarium indicum), an important food source throughout the region. Beyond its practical use, such pounders also held a role in communal food preparation associated with ceremonial gatherings.

The piece is hand-carved from a dense tropical hardwood and shows clear signs of long ritual and domestic use. The surface has developed a deep, warm patina from repeated handling and contact with food oils. The elongated handle fits comfortably in the hand, while the slightly rounded pounding end displays the characteristic wear expected from long-term use in wooden or stone mortars.

Objects connected to the processing of ngali nuts were often kept within the household and used during collective food preparation, which in Melanesian culture frequently accompanied ritual occasions, feasts, and exchanges.

Details
• Origin: Gizo Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands
• Material: Carved hardwood
• Function: Pounder used in the preparation of ngali nuts (Canarium indicum)
• Condition: Old, with clear signs of authentic use and a fine patina
• Period: Early–mid 20th century (or earlier)
• Provenance: Private collection

A genuine ethnographic object reflecting the food traditions and ritual life of the Western Solomon Islands. Rarely encountered on the market.
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