Paint Container

Item number 3582/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

Wooden paint bowl, or container, carved in the shape of a frigate bird. The bird's head projects out from one end of the bowl, with its tail at the opposite end. A knotted and looped hanging cord is attached through four holes spaced evenly around the upper edge. The cord is made of twisted fibres. The bird is roughly carved, with pencil marks indicating the design. Writing on base in red ink.

History Of Use

The container is meant to hold red earth from Yap, used as a stain or paint for canoes. Red earth was an important trade item obtained by outer islanders from Yap. The earth was mixed with coconut oil to form a paint.

Narrative

Collected by Shigeru Kaneshiro c. 1950-51, probably on Ifaluk? The donor also noted the piece as being from the area of Woleai, and/or Lamotrek atoll.