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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Dance Wand
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Dance Wand

Artist/Maker (Artist Unknown)
Dateearly 20th century
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 39 x 6 3/4 x 2 in. (99.1 x 17.1 x 5.1 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.25
    DescriptionDance wands are the personal possessions of Bonito Cult members who use them in dances consecrating new canoes and canoe houses. The dancers imitate diving bonito, a fish considered to be the most delectable and desirable of all things and the focus of much of Solomon Islands ceremonial activity. Bonito also symbolize the unpredictable and dangerous as they appear suddenly and are always surrounded by sharks. Sea gulls and frigate birds congregate above the water to feed off flying fish and others leaping out of the water to avoid the feeding bonito and sharks. Clubs of chiefs and powerful individuals are kept after their deaths as sacred objects.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    probably 1st half of the 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1931
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nasca
    1-700
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 1100-1400
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1989
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Wosera people
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Rycroft Painter and Shop
    ca. 525-510 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th century