Kava Bowl (Dave Ni Yaqona)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls

Datemid to late 20th Century

Made AtFiji

MediumWood and fiber

Dimensions5 7/8 × 19 3/8 × 18 1/2 in. (14.9 × 49.2 × 47 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2018.13.5

DescriptionThis is a tanoa, a wooden bowl for mixing yaqona (Fijian vernacular for Kava) which is a drink made from the root of a pepper tree. There are two bowls related to this ceremony, the bowl in which the drink is made, the tanoa, and a small bowl in which the drink is served. Wooden bowls are commonly used in Fijian culture for food preparation. Before these wooden bowls, the yaqona was made in ceramic bowls or in a plantain leaf placed in a hole in the ground. Bowls that are rather simple like this were for most anyone, but the uniquely shaped bowls were specifically used by priests. The rope is used to suspend the bowl on the wall for storage. Sometimes a shell is attached to the cord as well.

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