CEREMONIAL Dolfin figure, Makira - Santa Ana, Solomon Islands Elaborate sea creatures such as this were important ritual objects used during the initiation ceremonies or warfare. The figures were displayed with food and offered up to the spirits as part of the initiation. This vessel carved in the form of a dolphin represent an important God for the natives to the Solomon Islands, The dolphin is admired for its fierce and aggressive fishing skills. This beautiful piece exemplifies the important bonds that existed between the visual traditions and the spiritual beliefs of the Solomon Islanders. Dimension : 49 cm long Hard wood, black pigment, shell inlays . Provenance : Richard I.M. Kelton Collection, Marina del Rey, California #ttdec