Dala (forehead ornament)
Eastern Solomon Islands
Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum Friedlaender Collection TU2007.3.34 “Snapshots of Melanesia” exhibition
“This dala is crafted from a ground tridacna shell and intricately incised with a #FrigateBird. In the Solomon Islands, the frigate bird is associated with sacred bonito fishing and the maraufu ni waiau initiation. These birds are considered symbols of good fortune, as they follow schools of bonito and aid fishermen in locating the fish.”










