Fine Solomon Islands, Rennell Island Ceremonial Staff in form of short Spear Masahu. Carved wood, plant fiber. Traditional religious practice on Bellona and Rennell Islands required the used of sacred objects incuding ceremonial staffs, god sticks, special paddles and mats, and elaborate spear-like carvings, masahu, of which this is an excellent example. When not used, these sacred obiects were either stored in temples or in the homes of high priests and chiefs (Birket-Smith 1954: 52, 53). Masahu were sacred to the god Te Hua-i-ngavena (who was the second most important deity on Rennell and grandson of the supreme god Te haingi-atua). Te Hua-i-ngavena was invoked during harvest rites that sum- moned ancestral spirits. On all such occasions the chiet would preside with a masahu (MacGregor 1943: 34 and Birket-Smith 1954: 562-3). 52 cm tall