ANCIENT TIMES - HEAD-HUNTING AND CANNIBALISM
This hand-carved tower symbolizes some of the traditional aspects of life and death in the Solomon Islands during the head-hunting era. The carving is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the various scenes on the carving. This includes the custom of VEALA - preparing a young captured boy for sacrifice, the ORO - the house for enemy skulls, the KATO - a mortar and pestle for preparing magic potions, and at the very top all of the VARANE, the warriors who have attained rank by taking more than 30 heads.
Carved in  rare Solomon Island ebony (xanthostemon melanoxylon) which is an extremely hard and dense wood. It is difficult to carve but yields fine detail and can be polished to a high shine.
Custom carving by John Wain
Telina Island, Morovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Firebird Voyage
29"H x 5.5"W x 4"D