Nguzunguzu
Nguzunguzu is a carved canoe prow figurehead from the Western Solomon Islands that represents a powerful protective spirit. According to Roviana mythology, the figurehead is the transformed head of Tiola, a chief from Nduke (Kolombangara Island) who turned into a dog and whose carved image was placed at the front of war canoes to fight enemies. The nguzunguzu was lashed to the bow of war canoes called mon or magoru to provide protection from Kesoko, a dangerous water fiend who threatened to capsize canoes and devour crews. The figurehead typically features a protruding mouth, pointed nose, and