Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik River, Asmat culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful hand-carved wood serving platter with a boat shaped profile and twin finial handles on each end. The underside is carved with a flattened diamond shape base, like a boat keel with low relief bands running along the underside of the rim. This impressive piece was a feasting vessel used to serve sago or kava, the starchy core of the sago palm that is a major food staple for the Asmat and Sawos people and their neighbors in the Eastern and Middle Sepik River region. Size: 26.25" L x 11" W x 3.75" H (66.7 cm x 27.9 cm x 9.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173556

Repaired, finial handle on one end reattached and stable break lines are visible. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Gorgeous smooth patina throughout.