Ornament/Trophy

Gorilla skull with traces of paint

Gorilla skull with traces of paint
view: front

This object consists of a gorilla skull enclosed in woven basketry. The red eye sockets are contrasted with the main black area of the skull which is in turn set against a further white area. This is then framed by the first rib of basketry.


Carved bone

carved bone
view: front

This bone has been elaborately carved, depicting a figure wearing an ornate head-dress and holding an axe. Incised lines add detail and decoration. The bone widens and flattens slightly at the bottom and at the top of the back. The lower half of the back of the bone has been cut away.


Roundel

roundel
view: front

This roundel depicts a dragon attacking a serpent, both of which have been three-dimensionally sculpted. Their bodies have been decorated with incised lines. The flat surrounding border is decorated with a flower-like pattern.


Crocodile skull trophy

Crocodile skull trophy
view: front

This triangular, mid-brown crocodile skull has a black residue in places due to exposure to smoke. The surface is mottled and pitted. Due to the shape of the cowrie shell eyes, which are set in a red fibrous pad, the reptile looks to be wincing or sleeping.


Fish or whale ornament

This miniature ivory whale is a combination of varying shades of orange/brown which are darkest along one side and at the tip of the nose and tail. The underside is flat enough for the whale to rest securely on a surface but is slightly concave and has two pairs of holes.


Flute finial

Flute Finial
view: left

A wooden flute stopper carved as a standing figure surmounted by a giant bird, probably a hornbill. The bird appears to be perched on the man's shoulders, the beak seeming to extend into the crown of his head. Ties on the back of the bird may indicate feather or plant attachments