Vintage Massim Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea Carved Figural Bowl 32cm
An unusual and striking hand-carved wooden figural bowl / pedestal vessel, believed to originate from the Massim / Trobriand Islands carving tradition of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The vessel features two stylised standing human figures supporting a deep circular bowl, all rising from a rounded integral base. The dark hardwood is extensively decorated with finely incised geometric and curvilinear designs, including repeated triangular, linear and scrolling motifs. The incised decoration retains contrasting pale/white infill in many areas, producing the distinctive appearance associated with traditional Massim carving.
The figures have elongated stylised forms and carved facial and body details. The bowl, figures and base appear to form an integrated hand-carved construction, with visible hand-working and tool marks particularly apparent on the interior, underside of the bowl and base.
Similar forms include bowls supported by human/spirit figures. Please note: the piece has no known provenance, inscription or maker's mark and has not been professionally authenticated.
The Massim/Trobriand attribution is therefore based on stylistic comparison and is not presented as a definitive attribution. Dimensions: Approximately 32 cm high Bowl approximately 12.5 cm diameter Condition: Vintage condition with considerable surface wear and patination consistent with age and previous use. One figure has a loss to part of the nose. There is also an old drying/splitting crack to the underside/base, together with scratches, rubbing, small marks and natural variations throughout.
The interior of the bowl shows considerable scratching and wear. The underside retains numerous tool/work marks and surface variations. No restoration has been undertaken by me.Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and condition report. A fascinating piece for a collection of Papua New Guinea, Oceanic, Massim or Trobriand Islands art and traditional wood carving.