Solomon Island Red Feather Currency Roll-Tevau-Melanesian Art
This is a superb example of an old Solomon Island red feather currency roll. Made in the Santa Cruz Islands from the feathers of the Myzomela Cardinalis bird the roll takes months to construct by three specialists. They are known locally as “tevau” and are used as a form of exchange mostly for brides. The present roll dates to the late 19th/early 20th century, is 31 3/4” (780.6 cm) across as mounted and is on the market for the first time in over 40 years.