Sago Storage Jar (Damarau), 20th Century
Iatmul culture; Aibom Village, Chambri Lakes area, Mi…

Sago Storage Vessel (Damarau)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels

Culture Iatmul

Date20th Century

Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumCeramic and paint

Dimensions24 3/4 × 19 1/4 × 18 1/4 in. (62.9 × 48.9 × 46.4 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number99.76.165

DescriptionThis sago storage jar, the vernacular name for which is Damarau, comes from the Iatmul people residing in Aibom Village in the Chambri Lakes region of Papua New Guinea. Beautiful pottery jars, unique only to this area, are created from clay and are usually used for storing sago, but also for water and other food items. They are traded from Aibom throughout the middle Sepik River region. Created as a functional item, the artistry of this jar also serves to illustrate the power of social status and provide a connection to the spiritual world.

Feasts are the premiere social gatherings in New Guinea. These village-wide or multi-village events can mark the end of a battle, the passing of an elder, or the celebration of a marriage. The day of the feast the host provides as many pigs as he can afford to ensure his social status for years to come. The pigs are ritually killed and then roasted in a rock pit for hours. Eventually they are served along with other Oceanic staples like taro and sago. As the gathered crowd awaits the food, elaborate dances are performed to further demonstrate the organizer’s wealth and power.

On View

On view

Collections