Ceremonial Bowl
Artist/Maker
Artist Unknown
(Artist Unknown)
Date1931
Mediumwood, paint and nautilus or conus shell
DimensionsOverall: 13 5/8 x 33 3/8 x 5 in. (34.6 x 84.8 x 12.7 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
Object number2005.43.30
DescriptionThe carvers of Owa Riki are famous for their large ritual bowls, like this one in the form of a bonito canoe. Personal bowls such as this and larger communal bowls are used in commemorative feasts honoring selected deceased relatives and personal tutelary deities. The inlay comes from either the nautilus shell or the conus shell, depending on the thickness. It is held in place by putty made from oily local fruit. The bowl is painted with a resin-based black stain. The patron cannot pay the carver in currency because that would offend the tutelary deity to whom the bowl will be dedicated. The larger communal bowls are kept in canoe houses with the sacred bonito canoes.On View
Not on viewCollections
1723-1735
1736-1795
mid 18th century