Lot 133
Oceania, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful yet macabre memento from the days of tribally endorsed cannibalism, this hand-carved wooden fork was employed by servants or slaves to feed morsels of human flesh to rulers or religious leaders deemed too holy to physically handle their own food. The rectangular handle features a pair of abstract janiform heads on the top and bottom that are separated by densely congregated incised motifs that enhance the grip of the wielder. Though the prongs do not touch, their tight grouping enabled the servants to pluck only the most desirable portions for their master to consume. An intricately carved example enveloped in rich patina. Size: 0.625" W x 9.625" H (1.6 cm x 24.4 cm); 10.8" H (27.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The Fijian cannibal fork, known locally as an "iculanibokola," became a symbolic means of displaying one's power over those they ruled over or controlled. The more elaborate the utensil, the greater the influence one had over those around them. Despite the morbid reality of cannibalism, it was not as prevalent a practice as one would believe. Chieftains would generally only consume the flesh from members of rival tribes captured in battle and would associate doing so as a component of important post-conflict ceremonial means and celebrations.
For a stylistically similar example with a less ornate handle, please see the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, object number 18199A.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
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#168530
- Condition: One prong reattached along top, with slender separation between prong and fork body that is difficult to perceive. Minor nicks to fork body and finial, with softening to some finer incised details, and very light encrustations within some recessed areas. Wonderful patina throughout.
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