Attachment to the bow of the Nguzunguzu boat (large)

• Ethnic affiliation: Indigenous people of the Solomon Islands
• Place of creation: Solomon Islands
• Geographical location of place of creation: Solomon Islands
• Material: wood, mother-of-pearl
• Technique: handicraft production, chiselling, engraving
• Size: length – 18 cm, width – 14 cm
• Date of creation: 2011
• Collector: private individual Pale Sofia Evgenyevna (1976-2024)
• Period of use: 2010s
• Use: household interior object
• Condition: good
• Keywords: Solomon Islands, peoples of Australia and Oceania, Melanesians, indigenous people of the Solomon Islands

According to various sources, «Nguzunguzu» is either the name of a deity or the name of a boat prow ornament in the form of the head of Tiola — the divine ancestor of the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands. The head of Nguzunguzu was placed on the prow of a canoe to protect those who went to sea. Nguzunguzu cut through the water with its prow and favored military or commercial sea voyages. Today the head of Nguzunguzu is one of the main cultural symbols of the Solomon Islands. It is considered a powerful talisman that wards off evil and brings good luck. The image of the head of Nguzunguzu can also be seen on local coins and other items.