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
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
Lower Brown Corridor
On view
Explore Further
Object Type
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.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1884–1895
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90.256
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1900–1973
Raffia, bamboo, other plant fibers, wood, paint, seeds, and feathers
73.182
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1935–1962
Wood, shells, hair, tusks, clay, plant fiber, and paint
62.33
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1985–1995
Plant fiber and paint
96.1081
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1950–1960
Plant fiber and paint
90.407.2
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1950–1960
Plant fiber and paint
90.407.1
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1950–1960
Plant fiber, paint, cassowary feathers, human hair, and shell
89.258
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1900–1950
Sago spathes, plant fibers, nails, and paint
64.21
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1900–1950
Plant fiber, mud, paint, and cassowary feathers
65.8
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1900–1950
Sago spathes, cane, other plant fibers, paint, and feathers
62.43
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1920–1940
Wood, stone, plant fiber
87.269
Unknown Indigenous Pacific Islands or First Nations Australian artist
1900–1940
Wood
66.12.1,.2