Handcarved Oceanic Wood Tureen

Description

Found at an estate sale of a worldly traveler and collector, there is scant information available about this handcarved wood … more Found at an estate sale of a worldly traveler and collector, there is scant information available about this handcarved wood tureen, however, research indicates it appears to come from the Oceanic Pacific Rim - Marquesas Island (French Polynesia), New Zealand (Maori), the Fiji Islands.

According to information about Marquesan customs, an "umete" is a bowl carved for offerings,
whereas "kotues" are used made with their fitted lids to protect their contents - typically "popoi", a paste made from breadfruit, or turmeric, which is used to adorn the skin, or for safeguarding ornaments.

Offered is a long oblong-shaped bowl with its corresponding lid that is carved from an Oceanic Rosewood known as Miro, similar to Teak wood, that is hard, durable, and has dark veining.

It is sculpted and chiseled with ornate patterned motifs and measures 10.75" L x 7.75" W x 6.375" H. less