Food bowl - Lot 12

Food bowl Laukanu village, Huon Gulf region, Papua New Guinea Wood, lime and pigments DIMENSIONS Provenance : - Collected before 1911 by Prof. Dr. Med. R. Neuhauss, Berlin, Germany; EVE - Ex sale Eve SVV - Arts Premiers - Monday 08 December 2014, Paris lot n° 15 Publication: Deutsch Neu-Guinea von Prof. Dr. Med R. Neuhauss, Berlin, 1911, Vol.1, fig. 217, p. 320 and fig. 219, p. 321. Bowls and cups from the Huon Gulf were the object of intense exchange between the region's human groups. The tradition of carving these large vessels - both functional and ceremonial - seems to have originated in the Tami Islands and then spread throughout the Huon Gulf. Examples of these bos have been found as far north as the central Sepik region and throughout New Britain. The example presented here features a remarkable relief decoration of anthropo-zoomorphic figures. The sculptor's mark, reminiscent of the stylized shape of an eye, is visible in the center under the outer face of the bowl. Condition report: a few minor surface scratches, slight discoloration visible inside the bowl near one end. Condition and patina consistent with use and age.