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SOLOMON ISLANDS DAFI OCEANIC (Midtown East)
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Circa 19th/early 20th century.
Length: 6 7/8 inches.
Cf: --The British Museum, London, U.K, Museum no: Oc1947,01.2
This early pearl shell in a crescent-shaped form. Having a golden hue, overlaid with red shell. Red shell was the most highly prized of the hierarchy. Formed as a frigate bird; association with the bonito cult; drilled and attached with a plaited fiber neck cord. Four, bi-conical holes on upper, central area of pearl shell, showing that the pectoral was important to the wearer/s, due to it being re-drilled over time, for use. Oyster shell exhibiting much wear with a beautiful golden, glossy patina overall.
PRICE ON REQUEST
The golden-lipped pearl shell crescent was obtained by trade from Florida Island, from which the Malaita name, dahi or daffi, also derived. Worn only by men. Ivens points out that the fashion of wearing pearl shell crescent and disk-shaped ornaments originated in central Polynesia; they were especially noted on Tahitian mourning costumes. The introduction of dahi to the southeastern Solomon Islands is attributed to influence and trade with Polynesian members of whaling crews during the early 19th century. Ref: Ivens, W.G., Melanesians of the Southwest Solomon Islands, 8 vols., 1972 (first published in 1927), New York; B. Blom, Inc.)
“This shell pendant is a beautiful example of the unique blend of both Polynesian and Melanesian cultural elements found in the Santa Cruz Islands. The ornament is made of golden-lipped pearlshell, a rare material available only through trade with neighboring islands. The object's form also reflects outside cultural influences. Most pendants worn in the Solomon Islands are round, but use of the crescent shape originated in central Polynesia, and spread to the Santa Cruz Islands through trade with Polynesian whaling crews in the early 19th century. The tortoiseshell ornament on the front of the pendant represents a frigate bird, a sacred animal. These birds were honored for their skills at fishing, and were seen as powerful hunters; attributes admired by men from this area. Body ornaments such as this one were highly valued. Each household had a collection of them, much of it handed down, which made up a significant portion of that family's wealth. Most of these prestigious items were worn by men, generally on ceremonial occasions” Minneapolis Institute of Art (above referring to another, similar shell pendant)