Artist Statement: "This piece symbolizes the initiation of a young boy into manhood. In coastal communities in the Solomon Islands, boys must successfully complete a number of tasks determined by the tribal elders to prove their ability to enter into manhood. These tasks include fishing, hunting, participating in a village society ceremony, learning traditions and legends from the tribal elders, and proving that he has accepted the responsibility to respect and protect his land and sea environments which provide him, and his future generations, with the provisions for life. Once a boy has successfully completed the tasks put before him by the tribe elders, a ceremony is performed to affirm that he has proved his worth as a man, fisherman, and future leader."

-Ake Lianga

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