Large food bowl

wood, pigments,

The artists of the Tami Islands, a group of small islets off the eastern tip of
the Huon Peninsula, were the most prolific carvers in northeast New Guinea. They produced large quantities of objects, in part for local use but
primarily for trade to neighbouring groups.

The most important Tami trade goods were intricately carved hardwood bowls, which formed an essential component of the bride-wealth gifts to exchange them at marriage ceremonies throughout the region.

These superbly crafted bowls served as ceremonial vessels, used for the preparation and distribution of food during feasts and rituals.