Tongan
Early 19th century
Wood
Height: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); Length: 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
Provenance: Auckland, New Zealand trade
Kava bowls were central to the formal ceremonial life of Tonga, used in the preparation and distribution of the kava drink during chiefly gatherings, investitures, and occasions of political and social significance. The ceremony of kava drinking established and reinforced social hierarchy, with seating position and order of service reflecting rank. This example dates to the early nineteenth century and entered the market through the Auckland trade.
The bowl is carved from a single piece of hardwood in a wide, shallow form raised on four tapering cylindrical legs, the interior hollowed to a smooth, even surface. The wood has developed a warm honey-toned patina through sustained use and age, with surface wear consistent with active ceremonial handling. The rim retains a slightly irregular edge characteristic of hand-worked Tongan kava bowls of this period.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Tongan
Early 19th century
Wood
Height: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); Length: 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
Provenance: Auckland, New Zealand trade
Kava bowls were central to the formal ceremonial life of Tonga, used in the preparation and distribution of the kava drink during chiefly gatherings, investitures, and occasions of political and social significance. The ceremony of kava drinking established and reinforced social hierarchy, with seating position and order of service reflecting rank. This example dates to the early nineteenth century and entered the market through the Auckland trade.
The bowl is carved from a single piece of hardwood in a wide, shallow form raised on four tapering cylindrical legs, the interior hollowed to a smooth, even surface. The wood has developed a warm honey-toned patina through sustained use and age, with surface wear consistent with active ceremonial handling. The rim retains a slightly irregular edge characteristic of hand-worked Tongan kava bowls of this period.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
