Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
Ceremonial Feast Bowl

CultureMatankol people
Titles
  • Ceremonial Feast Bowl
Date1868–1900
PlaceLou Island, Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood and plant fiber
DimensionsIncluding handles: 25 3/4 × 52 7/8in. (65.4 × 134.3cm)
Credit LineGift of D. and J. de Menil
Object number62.4
Non exposé

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Description

The Matankol of Lou Island made these large bowls used to serve food for important ceremonies. The bowls were carved from a single piece of wood and were widely traded with other nearby islands. 


Each island had a specialized art form that was exchanged for the products of others. The Lou Island bowls feature delicate and decorative spiral handles that probably represent clan totems.


 


ProvenanceDominique de Menil (1908–1997) and John de Menil (1903–1973), Houston; given to MFAH, 1962.

Exhibition History"A Modern Patronage: de Menil Gifts to American and European Museums," The Menil Collection, Houston, June 8–September 16, 2007.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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