Two Santa Cruz Wooden Stretchers
Santa Cruz
Solomon Islands
8" x 8" x 2"
DESCRIPTION
Two beautifully carved wooden locks featuring turtles and whales. Also known as "stretchers". These can vary in style, this one being of smooth wood and features a finely carved turtle on the top, and whales below - a beautiful pair that sing together. They could be found placed on the bark ring, which created the formation and base of the "tau", with the feather coils, on its side, or perfectly placed on the top. At times they were used separately, and acted as another form of currency.
CONDITION
Very good.
Provenance
Ex Wayne Heathcote Gallery Ex private US Collection, Private Miami collection