Solomon Island Canoe-Melanesian Art-Oceanic Art
I recently acquired this fine Solomon Islands canoe from a stately home situated, appropriately enough, along the banks of the James River in Richmond Virginia. The owner and her late husband acquired the canoe on an afternoon stroll in London buying antiques over 40 years ago. The canoe, while over 7’ long, would still be considered a model as it is too narrow to fit even a small child. The black painted frigate bird motifs place the canoe to Santa Cruz Island within the Solomon Islands. The vessel is beautifully constructed, dates to the late 19th century, is 84 ½” long.