Ceremonial Bowl
The artists of the Tami Islands, a group of small islets off the eastern tip of
the Huon Peninsula, were the most prolific carvers in northeast New Guinea.
Tami carvers produced large quantities of objects, in part for local use but
primarily for trade to neighboring groups. The most important Tami trade
goods were intricately carved hardwood bowls, which formed an essential
component of the bride-wealth gifts exchanged at marriage ceremonies
throughout the region. Superbly crafted and highly polished, Tami bowls
served as ceremonial vessels, used for the preparation and distribution of
food during feasts and rituals. This bowl likely depicts the face of a spirit,
clad in the distinctive three-peaked ceremonial headdress (oa balan) worn
by prominent men.
the Huon Peninsula, were the most prolific carvers in northeast New Guinea.
Tami carvers produced large quantities of objects, in part for local use but
primarily for trade to neighboring groups. The most important Tami trade
goods were intricately carved hardwood bowls, which formed an essential
component of the bride-wealth gifts exchanged at marriage ceremonies
throughout the region. Superbly crafted and highly polished, Tami bowls
served as ceremonial vessels, used for the preparation and distribution of
food during feasts and rituals. This bowl likely depicts the face of a spirit,
clad in the distinctive three-peaked ceremonial headdress (oa balan) worn
by prominent men.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ceremonial Bowl
- Date: 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, Tami Islands
- Culture: Tami Islands
- Medium: Wood, traces of lime pigment
- Dimensions: H. 4 1/2 × W. 9 5/8 × D. 18 1/4 in. (11.4 × 24.4 × 46.4 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Containers
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1767
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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