vintage WOOD CEREMONIAL SERVING BOWL, TAMI ISLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA 23" Long

Description

Vintage, circa 1980. WOOD CEREMONIAL FEAST SERVING BOWL, TAMI ISLANDS Papua NEW GUINEA, Pacific Ocean. Condition: small crack in bowl, see photo.
This is beautiful, hand-carved wood, large (appx. 23.5" x 9.5" x 3.5") vintage, ceremonial bowl, from the Tami Islands, Papua, New Guinea.
The bowl is carved in a classic ovoid form, the exterior is decorated with a spirit animal figure in relief.
As far back as people can remember, large ceremonial bowls from the Tami Islands have provided a valuable trade commodity found nowhere else in the region. Papua New Guinea was historically – and still is today – an area of great diversity with over 700 languages spoken among separate peoples and tribes. Trade was a cohesive activity in the region. Each village specialized in providing certain products. Large, canoe-shaped bowls were traded extensively and gifted as valuable pieces of a brides' wealth during marriage ceremonies. These bowls were used in special occasions, primarily used to prepare and serve food during important feasts and annual festivals. They were particularly appreciated because unlike most bowls in the region made from clay  these were carved from single a piece of hardwood.
Made from a hardwood called
kwila
, Tami ceremonial bowls were carved mainly using sharp rocks. The surface was then rubbed with volcanic mud rich with manganese or graphite to acquire a smooth, dark finish. Intricate motifs depicting sea creatures and spirit figures were etched on their sides and then filled with moistened lime to create a pleasing contrast of light and dark. The creatures, often some form of crocodile, snake or lizard, were believed to be the manifestation of powerful spirits. An anthropomorphic figure is usually central and stylized, holding its arms fearlessly outstretched to the animals on either side. Distinct Tami style often depicts the head set low between the shoulders and with knees slightly bent. Similar figural representation can be seen in carved Tami sculptures of spirits and ancestors. Much like the
kamana
, the detailed designs on Tami bowls are admired for their uniqueness – no two are ever alike. This very beautiful bowl measures 23.5 inches in width by 9.5 inches in depth by 3.4 inches in height. It is in very good condition, except for the crack, and shows wear consistent to the mid to late 20th century, including minor chips and surface rubbing. It is a superb collector’s piece. Guaranteed authentic, it should be a welcome addition to any collection of Oceanic art.