Bowl
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls
Datemid 20th Century
Made AtSolomon Islands
MediumWood
Dimensions5 1/2 × 12 × 4 3/4 in. (14 × 30.5 × 12.1 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2018.14.3
DescriptionThe donor indicates that this bowl is from the Solomon Islands, and the most commonly-found bowls from this area include incised designs featuring shell inlay and/or white pigment. Considering the area, this bowl is unusual and examples of similar bowls were difficult to locate. This might suggest that the shape and design of the bowl are modern. Alternatively, it is possible that this bowl is from that area or that its style was inspired by the forms made in the Guadalcanal Island area; the common form of bowls in that area are tall and feature handles protruding from each side of the bowl. Ordinary household eating bowls from Guadalcanal are most commonly used for the purpose of food preparation and presentation. These large wooden bowls are devoid of decoration with the exception of the lugs at the handles. Domestic furnishings are often unembellished as there’s no interest in applying artistic talents to everyday appliances. The lugs on each end of the bowl are sometimes carved with geometric patterns as a means of identifying one’s own bowl.On View
Not on viewCollections
