Feather Hair or Nose ornaments (ndabma or noveapu)

Culture: Solomon Islands artist
Date: 20th century
Material: Feathers, wood, resin
associated with: Temotu Province, Solomon Islands, Oceania
Classification: Jewelry & personal accessories
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 12 7/16 in. (31.6 cm)
13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm)
13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Morton D. May
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 1528:1983.2a-c

NOTES

Feathers from the scarlet honeyeater, also used to create Santa Cruz feather money, were glued to wooden sticks to create nose or hair ornaments. Worn by men during ritual celebrations and dance, these delicate sticks formed part of a larger ensemble of body decoration, including various shell accessories and ceremonial dress.

Provenance

- 1977
Mrs. Morris J. Pinto

1977 - 1983
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, USA, purchased at auction, "African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian Art from the Pinto Collection," Sotheby's, London, May 9, 1977, lot no. 54 [1]

1983 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, bequest of Morton D. May [2]

Notes:
[1] An invoice dated May 9, 1977 from Sotheby & Co. to Morton D. May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "Lot 54: A Santa Cruz Money Roll..." [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].

[2] Last Will and Testament of M. D. May dated June 11, 1982 [copy, May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Acquisitions and Loans Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, September 20, 1983.

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