**Originally Listed At $500**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumba Island, ca. late 19th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden bowl, with an anthropomorphic head that forms a handle. The bowl has a flat base decorated with etched leaf and vine motifs. The outer wall is incised with repeating geometric shapes. The face of the figural finial is carved with incised eyes and mouth, and slightly protruding nose and ears. This ornate handle may depict a shaman or a ancestor figure that would have imbued this bowl with strength. When not in use, dishes like this example were stored with the face turned away, so that it would not stare at the family. The wood has developed a lovely dark patina from age and use! Size: 9" L x 6.31" Diameter (22.9 cm x 16 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York City, USA, 1950 to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161443

Old insect bore hole in basin. Abrasion to right side of head and chin. Minor nicks and chips to the rim and high pointed areas. Heavy dark patina and old inventory label on base.