Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islanders built large plank-built canoes. The planks were cut to fit closely together, holes were bored through the wood and they were lashed together with strong creepers. Finally the seams were caulked with putty nut to keep them watertight. Before the putty nut mixture hardened and became black, pieces of cut and polished pearl shell were pressed into the surface of the high prow and stern pieces. The canoe was propelled by oars but there was a step in the centre for a mast to rig a sail in favourable weather.
Figure head from Solomon Islands canoe.
Close-up of the prow finial on canoe. Brought to the Museum by Captain John Casement, RN., 1898.
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