Bowl
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls
Date20th Century
Made AtSolomon Islands
MediumWood, shell and paint
Dimensions75 × 16 × 13 1/2 in. (190.5 × 40.6 × 34.3 cm)
Credit LineLoan courtesy of Gayle and Edward P. Roski
Object numberL.2010.4.60
DescriptionThis large wooden feast bowl comes from the Solomon Islands and dates to the 20th century. It is decorated with a central pattern consisting of opposing figures resembling fish or dolphins with long snouts and pointed teeth. At the end of the snouts are hands which belong to an anthropomorphic figure extending from either end of the bowl. White shell is inlaid in the shape of triangles, arches or half circles, diamonds, and radiating suns.Feasts are the premiere social gatherings in New Guinea. These village-wide or multi-village events can mark the end of a battle, the passing of an elder, or the celebration of a marriage. The day of the feast the host provides as many pigs as he can afford to ensure his social status for years to come. The pigs are ritually killed and then roasted in a rock pit for hours. Eventually they are served along with other Oceanic staples like taro and sago. As the gathered crowd awaits the food, elaborate dances are performed to further demonstrate the organizer’s wealth and power.
On View
On view
early 20th Century
19th Century
mid 20th Century
20th Century
19th to early 20th Century
20th Century
mid 20th Century