Lot: 24

102nd Auction

Large food bowl

Papua New Guinea - Tami Islands

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
Ludwig Bretschneider, Munich, Germany
Munich Private Collection
L: 37.4 inch;
B: 15 inch;
H: 8.1 inch
600 EUR
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance

wood, pigments,

The artists of the Tami Islands, a group of small islets off the eastern tip of
the Huon Peninsula, were the most prolific carvers in northeast New Guinea. They produced large quantities of objects, in part for local use but
primarily for trade to neighbouring groups.

The most important Tami trade goods were intricately carved hardwood bowls, which formed an essential component of the bride-wealth gifts to exchange them at marriage ceremonies throughout the region.

These superbly crafted bowls served as ceremonial vessels, used for the preparation and distribution of food during feasts and rituals.