Two very old Tami or Siassi Island (Umboi Isalnd) Feast bowls. Tami or Siassi Islands, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The two bowls of classical elongated form with raised designs to the outer perimeters, each displaying exceptional age and wear, some minor insect depredation to one of the bowls.Bowls of this type were used during public feasts. The elaboration and the size of the bowls could indicate status of the owner, and often these were kept as cherished heirlooms from one generation to the next. These two examples are remarkable in that they have not been in any way altered by being polished or cleaned at all and maintain the original surfaces. Acquired by Marc Seidler from Rudi Ceaser, C. 1981. The Bowls measure , largest 25 x 10.5 inches, the smaller bowl measures 21 x 9.5 inches.

Good, well weathered and worn