A stunning animal, the greater blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) with its eight writhing arms, this piece was carved from Solomon Island rosewood (pterocarpus indicus). The markings that are incised on the carving represent the “blue” rings on the skin of this species. The color varies with their surroundings, from yellow ochre to light brown, even white-ish when inactive. When flashing blue, they are to tell all potential predators that the octopus is highly venomous. 
Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Compadre Voyage
17”L x10”W x 6”H