Bowl (Tanoa)
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls
Culture
Samoan
Datelate 19th to early 20th Century
Made AtSamoa
Collection SiteSamoa
MediumWood and plant fiber
Dimensions5 3/4 × 16 5/8 × 16 3/4 in. (14.6 × 42.2 × 42.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Alice Mildred Cann Dyer, Ph.D.
Object number2021.9.1
DescriptionThis wooden bowl, the vernacular name for which is tanoa, comes from Samoa and was used for mixing Kava (yaqona), a drink that has mild intoxicating or sedative properties and is made from the root of a pepper tree. Wooden bowls are commonly used throughout Polynesia for food preparation and consumption. Before the use of tanoa become widespread, 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 one were used by most anyone, but more elaborate examples, particularly with more finely carved legs, were specifically used by priests. The rope attached to one end is used to suspend the bowl on the wall for storage. Sometimes a shell is attached to the cord as well.On View
Not on viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century
mid to late 20th Century
mid to late 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
early to mid 19th Century
late 20th Century
late 19th to early 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century