Bird bowl ·  Solomon Islands, Santa Ana Island · ID: 3034450

Description

wood, black patina, mother-of-pearl-inlay, representing a frigate bird, holding a fish (shark or bonito) in the beak, on foot, slightly dam.:
such bowls were used in food ceremonies to contain food stuffs.
The “bonito” cult was a primary focus of cultural activity in this part of the Solomon Islands. Not only was catching the bonito a spiritual activity, but relations with other sacred animals, especially frigate birds and sharks, were important to the cult.

Littérature comparée

Burt, Ben, Body ornaments of Malaita, Solomon Islands, London 2009, p. 94 f.