Bowl
Production date
Circa 1880s
Country
Papua New Guinea
State/Province
Manus
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Object detail
Description
Wooden bird shaped bowl inlaid with nautilus shell
Maker
Production date
Circa 1880s
Measurements
W422 x D194 mm
Media/Materials description
Wood
History and use
This wooden bowl was collected from an unknown location by the crew of a Farrell & Co steamship in the Admiralty Islands in 1887, and was acquired by the Queensland Museum later that year. The bowl features a bird shaped design, significant because birds play an important role in clan identity and stories in much of this island region.
Farrell & Co, a major trading company in the region at that time was headed by Australian, Thomas Farrell. Farrell was also a one time de facto partner of still well-known, successful plantation owner, Samoan-American Emma Coe, who became known as ‘Queen Emma of New Guinea’. Some sources indicate that Farrell was also involved in blackbirding practices around this time.
Farrell & Co, a major trading company in the region at that time was headed by Australian, Thomas Farrell. Farrell was also a one time de facto partner of still well-known, successful plantation owner, Samoan-American Emma Coe, who became known as ‘Queen Emma of New Guinea’. Some sources indicate that Farrell was also involved in blackbirding practices around this time.
Associated person
Registration number
E5484
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