Ladle Item Number: Ie440 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A ladle with a handle that has a relief carving of six bird-like heads, all of which have large curved noses. The bowl is a half coconut shell. The bowl is tied to the handle with cane fibres through four holes forming two criss-cross patterns on the back. The end of the handle has four rings and a knob.
History Of Use
This kind of ladle is used to serve a basic soup prepared from fish parts, coconut milk, water and various vegetables and leaf materials. This ladle is made from a strong hardwood (kwila) which grows on the mainland. It is often used for traditional carving.
Cultural Context
serving; food preparation
Iconographic Meaning
The carving is traditional with stylized designs of spirits or ancestral figures. The prominent eyes and noses relating to ancestor worship.
Item History
- Made in Madang, Papua New Guinea during 1972
- Collected during 1972
- Owned by Roger I. Brookes before May 12, 1982
- Received from Roger I. Brookes (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on May 12, 1982
What
- Name
- Ladle
- Identification Number
- Ie440
- Type of Item
- ladle
- Material
- kwila wood, coconut nutshell and cane grass
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, cut, tied and incised
- Overall
- height 56.0 cm, width 12.0 cm, depth 12.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- Roger I. Brookes
- Received from
- Roger I. Brookes (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Madang, Papua New Guinea
When
- Creation Date
- during 1972
- Collection Date
- during 1972
- Ownership Date
- before May 12, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on May 12, 1982
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 69
- Accession Number
- 0798/0002