Large ceremonial food platter ·  Vanuatu · ID: 3039682

Description

wood, middle brown patina with spots, circular flat dish in shape of a zoomorphic being, tail feathers on one and a flat head with pierced eyes and neck rings on opposite side, slightly dam., minor missing parts (rims of the eyes, underside of the tail feathers);
presumably reserved for the serving of “nalot”, a vegetarian dish made with breadfruit.

Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. II, Köln 1995, p. 421