Bowl-wood
Production date
Pre 1920
Country
Fiji
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Object detail
Description
Register description: Dish: 4-legged, plains - 11ins x 7 1/2ins
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander bowl wood
Maker
Production date
Pre 1920
Production place
Measurements
279 x 190 mm
Media/Materials description
Wood
History and use
This 4-legged wooden bowl is a model of a kava bowl, or Tanoa, from Fiji. In Fiji, the drinking of kava (which is known locally as yaqona) is an important ceremonial and social custom. The kava ceremony consists of steeping shredded or pounded kava root in water to create a mildly narcotic liquid. This drink is typically served in bowls made from coconut shells. Kava bowls are important gift or exchange items throughout Fiji and neighbouring islands.
Registration number
E2376