Dance paddle, Buka Island, Solomon Islands Wood,... Lot 31

Dance paddle, Buka Island, Solomon Islands Wood, pigments Height: 126 cm Provenance: Franck Bolger Collection (1832-1912), then by descent. French private collection The art of the northern Solomon Islands is marked by the mythical entity kokorra, a supernatural being with a human appearance, whose representation constitutes the most important motif in Buka art. The majesty and refinement of this ceremonial dance paddle are evident in the striking aesthetic contrast between the pared-down shape of the blade, and the meticulous carving in the round at the top representing the kokorra effigy. The narrow, lanky head features a face of marked expressivity, animated by large circular black rimmed eyes, a long nose and a small, prognathic mouth. The figure's body is stylized and adorned with complex geometric motifs. The skull is classically topped by an impressive foliate ritual headdress, reminiscent of the hassebou hairstyles traditionally worn by men of the ruk-ruk male secret society, underlining the sacred connection between the divine entity and the initiates. The pointed protrusions around the ears could be ornaments. Beatrice Blackwood reported in 1935 that certain local men, whom she referred to as "dandies", attached live butterflies behind their ears... ("Both Side of Buka Passage",1935) The harmony and balance of the forms testify to a remarkable plastic coherence. The domed crest evokes the finesse of the blade tip, while the black-tinted lower section echoes the effigy's pointed black skull. The sober elegance of the blade, whose beauty is accentuated by a honey-colored lustrous patina, and the fine craftsmanship of the kokorra effigy, testify to the high status of the ceremonial paddle's owner. In addition to their primary function as paddles, these paddles were also objects of power and social prestige, and had multiple uses. They appeared in a ceremonial context, during danced performances at various events such as boat inauguration ceremonies or dignitary weddings, accompanied by music and accessories (spears, branches, etc.). Important personal attributes linked to social status, these paddles were buried and burned with their owner, along with various other objects intended to accompany the deceased into the world beyond.