Sago Ladle

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-utensils-ladles

Date20th Century

Made AtMorobe Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood

Dimensions35 × 3 1/4 × 1 1/2 in. (88.9 × 8.3 × 3.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2019.2.17

DescriptionIn the Huon Gulf region, the inhabitants of the Tami Islands are known for their distinctive style of wood carving, often referred to as the Tami style. This unique art style is distinguished using a carving method known as high-relief carving in which designs are carved into the wood and protrude from the background. This method of carving requires meticulous planning beforehand and great skill tool manipulation to achieve desired effect.

Sago scoops were used during funeral feasts as part of the sago preparation process. These large ladles were typically handled by two people who would stir the food up and down in a ritualized manner that would create a sort of performance. Ladles were originally made with seed or shell attachments on the handles, but it is now quite rare to find a completely intact example.

On View

Not on view

Collections