Micronesian Figure, Palau Islands, Oceanic Art
This old Micronesian figure washed ashore on Majuro Island in the Marshall Islands in 1968. It was brought to an American Peace Corps volunteer teacher by a group of students—photo attached. Stylistically the figure probably originated in Palau well to the west of the Marshall Islands. There is a large nail going through the neck that would have attached the figure to a canoe or ceremonial house. The figure is carved from a hardwood and shows the naturalistic features of early Palau sculpture. It stands 20 3/8” (51.7 cm) in height, dates to the early 20th century.