Native American, Plains Indian, ca. 19th century CE. A splendid pair of hand-carved wood bowls, a mortar and a gambling bowl, each boasting elegant yet minimalist forms. Sculpted from the burl of a tree, the mortar showcases a warm hue of honey and a complex texture. Its thick walls rise to a broad rim flanked by 2 lug handles, all atop a deep basin and sturdy base where meats, roots, seeds, and nuts were mashed into a powder with the aid of a stone pestle. Alternatively, the gambling bowl presents a hemispherical shape and a rich, woodgrain surface in mottled toes of caramel and chocolate. Vessels like this were used to toss dice carved from bone, antler, or fruit pits for great stakes. Note the metal rivets reinforcing the base and repair to the rim, both indicating this bowl was of great value to its owner. Size (light brown): 11.75" W x 6.2" H (29.8 cm x 15.7 cm); (dark brown): 9.75" W x 4.1" H (24.8 cm x 10.4 cm)

A similar wood bowl with metal repairs can be found at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian under catalog number 16/9014.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174038

Dark brown bowl is missing old repair patch within center of basin but old staples still remain and are visible along the exterior base. Larger bowl has a sizable fissure along one wall, a large chip to the rim, and a wide perforation near one handle. Both bowls with abrasions, surface wear commensurate with age, and commensurate desiccation, otherwise in great condition. Great patina throughout.