Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Huon Gulf Region, Tami Island, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wood bowl in the form of a boat, the exterior carved with relief and incised motifs that are highlighted with white lime, the rest of the surface was rubbed with black soil and plant sap. Traditionally these oblong bowls held food during ceremonial village feasts, the motifs symbolizing family or ancestor affiliations and they were treated as heirlooms and used as dowries. Tami is a tiny island, and the bowls were also traded to neighboring islands in exchange for other resources. During and post European colonial era, this type of wood bowl carving spread widely throughout the Huon Gulf region, with artisans copying Tami styles or creating new motifs for export. The Tai Size: 15" L x 7" W x 3.5" H (38.1 cm x 17.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#179751

  • Condition: Some chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Beautiful patina throughout and light remains of white lime pigment.

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September 14, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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