An unusual combination of canoe and turtle. The turtle serves as a base for a finely wrought Solomon Island war canoe, with extensive mother of pearl inlay.
The carving is made of Solomon Island kerosene wood (cordia subcoardata).
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 Compadre Voyage
17"L x 3.5"W x 13"H