Fiji
19th century
Ironwood
Diameter 25"; height 10"
Provenance: Peter Keller, Director, Bowers Museum
Carved from a single piece of ironwood, this tanoa commands attention through its size and the depth of patina accumulated through use. The surface carries the warm, darkened tone that develops only through sustained contact with yaqona over many years, distinguishing it from pieces made for the trade or visitor market. At 25 inches in diameter and 10 inches in height it ranks among the larger examples of Fijian production, consistent with a bowl intended for communal or chiefly ceremony.
In Fiji, the tanoa occupies a central role in social and political life, and the formality of yaqona ceremony reflects the importance of hospitality, alliance, and rank. Bowls of this size were associated with gatherings of consequence, and the scale here leaves little doubt about the context in which this piece was used. The provenance through Peter Keller, former director of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, attests to the considered collecting history of this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Fiji
19th century
Ironwood
Diameter 25"; height 10"
Provenance: Peter Keller, Director, Bowers Museum
Carved from a single piece of ironwood, this tanoa commands attention through its size and the depth of patina accumulated through use. The surface carries the warm, darkened tone that develops only through sustained contact with yaqona over many years, distinguishing it from pieces made for the trade or visitor market. At 25 inches in diameter and 10 inches in height it ranks among the larger examples of Fijian production, consistent with a bowl intended for communal or chiefly ceremony.
In Fiji, the tanoa occupies a central role in social and political life, and the formality of yaqona ceremony reflects the importance of hospitality, alliance, and rank. Bowls of this size were associated with gatherings of consequence, and the scale here leaves little doubt about the context in which this piece was used. The provenance through Peter Keller, former director of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, attests to the considered collecting history of this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
