Description
This is one of a suite of three cast bronze skulls that provide a window into the days of head hunting and the trading of skulls
Skulls represented a valuable commodity for Torres Strait Islander people as they were the main form of currency for the trading of canoe hulls with their Papua New Guinean neighbours.
Because of the limited resources on the Islands canoe hulls of any length were sourced from the lush forests found near certain New Guinean villages up stream of the rivers that flowed into the Torres Strait.
Canoes were of vital importance as they were the only means of transport for trading, hunting and fishing at sea and inter island and mainland warfare.
Just one skull would be needed to acquire a canoe of substantial size, some of which were up to twenty metres long employing double outriggers and sails and a large crew.
These trading skulls were acquired in battle and through raiding parties to other islands and the Australian mainland. The skulls of family members, those of important leaders and revered warriors were not traded. Skulls were used in various rituals.
The patterning or mineral seen in the sculpture provides the artist with a vehicle to convey the many aspects of the culture and natural phenomena of his Island world. While appearing to be quite abstract they are in fact depicting phenomena such as the fierce currents that swirl around the islands and rip through the Strait from the Pacific to the Indian oceans. The winds, cloud formations, rain, tides, island flora and elements of sacred knowledge that is not explained or revealed to the uninitiated, are all seen in this work
The nose and eye sockets of the skulls were filled with bees wax. Pearl shell, was often inserted into the wax in the eye sockets. Fibre and other adornments were attached to the skull to enhance its appearance and desirability as a trading item.
If purchased as a suite of three the price is $3,500 each or $10,500 for the suite.
