This carving represents an amazingly lifelike octopus (cephalopoda octopoda) with its eight limbs (tentacles) elaborately entwined. The small bowl in the center has a lid trimmed with Mother of Pearl inlay. It is carved from Solomon Island kerosene wood (cordia subcordata).
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.
Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Firebird Voyage
20"L x 10"W x 6"H