Large food bowl · Papua New Guinea - Huon Gulf, Morobe Province, Tami Islands · ID: 3051694
Starting price
EUR 800
Estimated price
EUR 1,600
Provenance
Ludwig Bretschneider, Munich, GermanyGerman Private Collection, Munich
Size
L: 83 cm B: 35 cm
L: 32.7 inch B: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, lime,
While the meaning of the animal iconography on some Tami bowls is unknown, it is certain that the human faces and figures represent spirits associated with families, clans, or villages. (Minneapolis Institute of Art)
The anthropomorphic face at each end of this bowl, wearing a horn-like headdress, is probably a benevolent spirit called a “balum”.