Image: Head, Solomon Islands E19217
Provenance: Manning Straits, Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands, Melanesia, Pacific
This 'tattooed' chalk head represents a Tindalo - the spirit of a dead man who, in his lifetime, possessed great mana or power. It was traditionally placed in a sacred spot associated with the man. The Museum acquired the head in 1911 from Mr Percy Black, a shipping company employee.
Description: White, carved and incised head with minimal facial features; face, neck and chin incised with concentric circles, zigzags, parallel lines and triangles; top and back of head plain.
Height: 15cm; Width: 9cm
- Photographer:
- Carl Bento
- Rights:
- © Australian Museum
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