Kava Bowl

Item number 553/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Large, brown wooden bowl supported by six short legs. Two large white shells are affixed to one side of the bowl; between the two shells a long braided fibre rope is attached, the end of which is tied to a third white shell.

History Of Use

The tanoa, or kava bowl, is central to the yagona (kava) rituals. Yagona, derived from the pepper plant, is mixed with water in a tanoa and served with appropriate ceremony in coconut cups. The boss, or suspension lug, under the lip of the tanoa should face the highest chief present. Attached to the lug is the watabu, or sacred cord, made from coconut fibre and decorated with white cowrie shells. The watabu from each tanoa is extended towards the principal chief present, and it is said that death was the punishment for those who crossed this “line.” Today, the tanoa and the drinking of yagona are recognized as fundamental to Fijian culture and the practice has moved with Fijians to wherever they have settled.