Ceremonial cup from the Tami Islands; Huon Gulf, Papua New Guinea, 20th century.

Ceremonial cup from the Tami Islands; Huon Gulf, Papua New Guinea, 20th century.
Wood with black patina and lime.
Measurements: 14 x 74 x 33 cm.
Large oblong bowl decorated on the outer edges with a totemic figure that presents some of the elements in high relief and engravings enhanced with lime. This dish was used for great ceremonies.
In the artistic works produced by the peoples inhabiting the so-called Gulf of Huon region, a definite homogeneity can be clearly appreciated. The art of the area can rightly be considered a conglomerate of different styles. The small Tami Islands, located near the Huon Peninsula, were the center of the woodcarving arts until the arrival of the Europeans, so it is not surprising that the concept of the Huon Gulf style area merged with that of the Tami Islands style area. The Tami Islanders produced impressive betel headrests and betel mortars, but they are undoubtedly best known for their beautifully decorated bowls of widely varying sizes that were marketed over a wide geographical area. Along with the Siassi Islanders, who also began making such bowls in the 1920s, they were master boat builders and famous for their seafaring skills.