Fiji
Circa 1850
Ironwood
Diameter 24"; height 8"
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, Hawaiʻi
Carved from a single block of ironwood, this tanoa presents the substantial scale and dense weight characteristic of bowls made for communal ceremony. The patina is deeply worn from use, the surface having darkened evenly through sustained contact with yaqona over generations. At 24 inches in diameter it ranks among the larger examples of Fijian production, and the height of 8 inches gives it a commanding presence.
In Fiji, yaqona ceremony governs the most significant social and political occasions, and a bowl of this size would have presided over gatherings of rank and consequence. The careful carving of a vessel this large from a single block reflects both the skill of the maker and the importance of the object. The provenance through Gary Seering of Aiea, Hawaiʻi places this piece within the Pacific collecting community, where Fijian material of this quality has long been recognized and sought.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Fiji
Circa 1850
Ironwood
Diameter 24"; height 8"
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, Hawaiʻi
Carved from a single block of ironwood, this tanoa presents the substantial scale and dense weight characteristic of bowls made for communal ceremony. The patina is deeply worn from use, the surface having darkened evenly through sustained contact with yaqona over generations. At 24 inches in diameter it ranks among the larger examples of Fijian production, and the height of 8 inches gives it a commanding presence.
In Fiji, yaqona ceremony governs the most significant social and political occasions, and a bowl of this size would have presided over gatherings of rank and consequence. The careful carving of a vessel this large from a single block reflects both the skill of the maker and the importance of the object. The provenance through Gary Seering of Aiea, Hawaiʻi places this piece within the Pacific collecting community, where Fijian material of this quality has long been recognized and sought.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
