Bowl

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls

Date19th Century

Made AtFrench Polynesia, France

MediumWood

Dimensions7 × 17 1/2 in. (17.8 × 44.5 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2004.34.1

DescriptionThis large 19th century feast bowl reflects a human motif, or tiki figure, which is widely present throughout the carved art of the Marquesas Islands. The seven wedge-shaped sections further divide into three rectangular panels; these radiate from the round symmetrical pattern at the base which reveals a stylized face. The bowl's carvings represent a symbolic relationship linking concepts of body and face, although to what extent exactly is unknown because little is understood about the complexities of early Marquesan art.

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On view

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