Bowl (Duyu)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls

Culture Ifugao

Date20th Century

Made AtPhilippines, Asia

MediumWood

Dimensions4 × 13 1/2 in. (10.2 × 34.3 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase provided by the Trude Jordan Fund and the Pick-Laudati Fund

Object number2001.35.10

DescriptionThis twelve-pointed wooden bowl is called a duyu and it comes from the Ifugao people of the Philippines' Luzon Island. Carved from a single piece of wood, it would have been used to serve food and rice wine during ceremonies or rituals. Over time, the alcohol would take effect and the consumer would reach an altered state of awareness. The notches would be used as a mouthpiece for those drinking the rice wine. A smaller bowl was used to hold herbs, spices, and sauce.

The Ifugao people inhabit the mountainous provinces of northern Luzon island in the Philippines. A spiritual people, they follow a complex system of ancestor worship, animism, and magic. Many natural and spiritual entities are worshiped. Gods which are considered to be generous and benevolent are those who enjoy food and drink.

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