AN ELEGANT TAMI ISLANDS FOOD DISH WITH BIRD HEAD

Provenance: Private collection Loed van Bussel, Amsterdam

For Tami people carved hardwood bowls, 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 Tami bowl has an exceptional and uncommen shape and has beautiful decorations on the bottom and the two sides. In front the head of a bird.
19th century, good condition, nice patina of use.

Tami Islands, Huon Golf, Papua New Guinea
Blackened wood, 60 x 22 x 10 cm

Price:  €  2.500,- now:  €  1.250,-