In the western Solomon Islands canoes were essential to transportation, fishing, and warfare. They were often lavishly adorned. The centerpiece of the prow was a distinctive figurehead, known variously as a nguzu nguzu, musu musu, or toto isu. Attached at the waterline so that it dipped in the sea as the canoe rode the waves, the figurehead reportedly served as a supernatural protector ensuring safe passage and a successful expedition.
This example replicates the symbolism of the nguzu nguzu. It has been carved from sandstone and is holding a head. In the old days, when a canoe set out on a head-hunting raid, the head indicated the intent of the raiders. The face is marked with traditional 'warpaint' and the ears show a circular ornament. The warpaint is defined by intricate mother of pearl inlay. 
In the western Solomon Islands, canoes were essential to transportation, fishing, and warfare. They were lavishly adorned. The centerpiece of the prow was a distinctive figurehead, known variously as a nguzu nguzu, musu musu, or toto isu. Attached at the waterline so that it dipped in the sea as the canoe rode the waves, the figurehead reportedly served as a supernatural protector ensuring safe passage and a successful expedition.
 
The face is marked with traditional 'warpaint' and the ears show a circular ornament. The warpaint is defined by intricate mother of pearl inlay. 
For the mother of pearl inlay, the artist cuts a piece of shell to fit the space, then cuts it into tiny pieces, files each one to create the pattern, and then puts each individual piece in place using custom putty.
Simbo Island, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Compadre voyage
16”L x 11”W x 21”H