Summary

Frigate birds and the bonito fish are icons representing the importance of the annual visit made by schools of bonito. The first bonito is considered sacred, and its arrival signals the time for ceremonial knowledge of this important fish to be imparted to young initiates on their way to adulthood. Fast canoes and well-prepared and maintained hooks and lines are essential elements of the specialised fishing technology of the Solomon Islands and allow islanders to take advantage of the arrival of the bonito.

Physical Description

A figure of a bonito fish made from a single piece of wood inlaid with nautilus and conus shell. It is attached to a cylindrical wooden base also inlaid with shell. Orignally described as a canoe house ornament.

More Information