Bow attachment for the Nguzunguzu boat (small)

• Ethnicity: indigenous inhabitants of the Solomon Islands
• Place of creation: Solomon Islands
• Geographical location of the place of creation: Solomon Islands
• Material: wood, mother-of-pearl
• Technique: artisanal production, adzing, engraving
• Size: length – 17 cm, width – 7 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 inhabitants of the Solomon Islands

According to various sources, «Nguzunguzu» – is either the name of a deity or the name of a decorative prow ornament in the form of the head of Tiola – the divine ancestor of the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands. The Nguzunguzu head was placed on the prow of a canoe to protect those who went out to sea. Nguzunguzu cut through the water with its nose and favored military or commercial sea voyages. Today the Nguzunguzu head 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 Nguzunguzu head can also be seen on local coins and other items.