A small coconut engraved with a fish motif containing four miniature hooks. The patina of this engraved coconut is reminiscent of some of the charms of the Gulf of Papua, but the stylized, engraved bonito or shark motif seen from above leaves little doubt as to its Solomon Islands origin. The nature of the materials used for the four finely carved and engraved miniature hooks (including one engraved with the same stylized fish motif) also points to the same origin. This hook box may also have been an ancient protective charm for the fisherman who held it. Solomon Islands Coconut, mother-of-pearl shell and tortoise shell, very fine old patina. L.: 11 cm for the coconut, and 1.4 cm to 2.5 cm for the hooks. Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection