VERY RARE Ancient Ring, Barava pre-contact Zaru bokolo. Made of fossilised giant clam shell, which confers this specific colour (Tridacna Gigas), polished and carved with openwork. Very beautiful ancient patina. Funerary currency or ownership title of a tribal chief from the Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands. In its original condition, without restoration. Dimensions: 35 x 12 x 2 cm; 1.2 kilograms. Very rare motif, which I have never seen anywhere else, in any collection. It is composed of a large ring, topped by a smaller one and by a stylised figure, probably representing a sacred bird, a hornbill, as well as a seated Zaru figure. The bent elbows lay on the bent knees, the hands are holding the chin, it represents a classic symbolic position of Melanesian arc. Funerary motif of a chief or a lookout warrior. It was found buried in the forest, and then kept by a local chief, before its acquisition. Shipment via prior express parcel with track & trace (Colissimo suivi prioritaire).