Artwork Page for Carved Bowl

Details / Information for Carved Bowl

Carved Bowl

late 1900s

New Guinea, Abelman, late 20th century

Medium
earthenware with mineral pigments
Measurements
Diameter: 28.4 cm (11 3/16 in.); Overall: 11 cm (4 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1999.11
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The Abelam people inhabit a hilly region of northeast New Guinea, north of the Sepik River. Their most spectacular art form is a towering spirit house, the gable decorated with brightly painted panels depicting ancestral spirits. Similar faces are carved on these food bowls, and colored with white, orange and yellow pigment after firing. While utilitarian pottery is made by women, decoration with sacred designs must be carried out by men. Ornamented bowls like these are displayed and exchanged at feasts.
A conical earthenware vessel tapers to a small base, its surface covered in carved and painted designs of muted red, mustard yellow, and white. A large red oval featuring abstract facial features is flanked by sweeping bands of color. Near the irregular rim, a thin border of repeating geometric shapes and incised lines circles the top edge. The vessel's shape and earthy tones emphasize its highly textured appearance.

Carved Bowl

late 1900s

New Guinea, Abelman, late 20th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork