**Originally Listed At $1200**

Southeast Asia, Philippines, Northern Luzon, Ifugao province, Ifugao culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A remarkable bowl known as a duyu, skillfully carved from a single block of wood to present in the form of a human. Supported by their thick arms and legs, the fascinating figure exhibits a lengthy plank and sloped back that has been hollowed out to serve as the basin of the bowl. An elongated neck juts forward from one end, displaying a round head and stylized visage of huge, nacre shell inlay eyes, a broad, flat nose, and a gentle smile. Duyus were ritualistic vessels for sipping rice wine or presenting offerings. These ceremonial bowls were polished with animal fat and developed dark patinas from smoke as they were often kept near a hearth, as we see in the rich espresso-hued patina of this fine example! Size: 15" L x 6.4" W x 6.3" H (38.1 cm x 16.3 cm x 16 cm)

The Ifugao people are an ethnic group inhabiting the Ifugao Province of the Philippines. The term Ifugao is derived from "ipugo" meaning earth people, mortals, or humans, as distinguished from spirit and deities. The group is known for headhunting - taking a skull and preserving it after killing someone - which was practiced around the world throughout history, from Oceania to Europe and Mesoamerica. Anthropologists became intensely interested in the practice, especially in the early to mid-20th century, and developed a general theory about the meaning of headhunting: to define hierarchy and power within communities, based on the idea that the head contained the life force of the individual, and that capturing it allowed its holder to contain that power. For the Ifugao, the taken head was a prized object. The Ifugao mounted heads over their hearths and outside their huts.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#168527

Expected nick, chips, and abrasions. A few stable hairline fissures. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.