New Caledonia
Circa 1800
Gourd, woven sennit
Height: 12¼ in (31.1 cm); Diameter: 6¾ in (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Massachusetts; Alain Schoffel Collection, France
Gourd containers from New Caledonia were used for carrying and storing liquids, their natural form well suited to the task and their sennit coverings adding both structural reinforcement and surface refinement. The woven covering encircling this example is worked in a diagonal hatch pattern across the rounded body, consistent with Kanak fiber traditions where practical function and careful making were not considered separate concerns. An early illegible label remains present on the piece, suggesting entry into a collection predating the documented provenance chain.
The gourd retains its natural spout-like neck opening, the sennit cover intact and darkened to a warm brown through age. The weave is structured in broad crossing bands that meet at regular intervals, the fiber tight and consistent throughout. The Alain Schoffel provenance connects this piece to one of the most knowledgeable French collections of Oceanic material assembled during the twentieth century.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
New Caledonia
Circa 1800
Gourd, woven sennit
Height: 12¼ in (31.1 cm); Diameter: 6¾ in (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Massachusetts; Alain Schoffel Collection, France
Gourd containers from New Caledonia were used for carrying and storing liquids, their natural form well suited to the task and their sennit coverings adding both structural reinforcement and surface refinement. The woven covering encircling this example is worked in a diagonal hatch pattern across the rounded body, consistent with Kanak fiber traditions where practical function and careful making were not considered separate concerns. An early illegible label remains present on the piece, suggesting entry into a collection predating the documented provenance chain.
The gourd retains its natural spout-like neck opening, the sennit cover intact and darkened to a warm brown through age. The weave is structured in broad crossing bands that meet at regular intervals, the fiber tight and consistent throughout. The Alain Schoffel provenance connects this piece to one of the most knowledgeable French collections of Oceanic material assembled during the twentieth century.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
