Bowl (Tanoa)
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls
Datelate 19th to early 20th Century
Made AtFiji
MediumWood
Dimensions7 1/2 × 22 7/16 × 21 in. (19.1 × 57 × 53.3 cm)
Credit LineDonated by Rear Admiral Ralph and Sara Garrison
Object number99.43.7
DescriptionThis wooden bowl is likely a tanoa bowl for mixing yaqona, a drink made from the root of a pepper tree called kava. 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 to create food, while serving it on leaves. Making serving bowls very special and used only during rituals. Before these wooden bowls, the yaqona was made in ceramic bowls or in a plantain leave 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. This large, wood Kava bowl, elaboratly worked inlaid rim, is carved from one piece of wood on multiple supports.On View
On view
early to mid 20th Century
mid to late 20th Century
late 20th Century
early to mid 19th Century
mid to late 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century