SOLD: Zoomorphic Kava Bowl with 10 Legs, Fiji
SOLD: Zoomorphic Kava Bowl with 10 Legs, Fiji
$0.00
Fiji
Wood
First half 20th century
16.25 w x 5 h in. / 41 w x 13 h cm
The root of the Kava plant can be ground up to produce a mild sedative, inducing relaxation and a mild euphoria without impairing mental clarity. Very early kava bowls had four legs. This changed with the introduction of tourism in the late 19th century. Enterprising locals began charging tourists by the number of legs resulting in a design change incorporating many legs. Over time, the many-legged versions came to be used for actual kava consumption, replacing the traditional style by the end of the 19th century.
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Sold
East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Wood
First half 20th century
Dimensions: 14.75 dia x 1.5 in. / 37.5 × 4 cm
Height on custom display stand: 15.75 in. / 40 cm (Base dimensions 12 × 5 in. / 30.5 × 13 cm)
Platters such as these were once a part of every household and used for village celebrations. The design, an amalgamation of the clan design with artistic flourishes, creates a unique piece easily identifiable by the creator and their kin.
Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.
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