Oceania, New Zealand, Maori culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. Made of dark wood richly carved, decorated with two inlaid abalone shell "eyes", this is a korere, a feeding funnel. When a Maori received facial tattoos, he or she was believed to be in a precarious spiritual state known as "taboo" when they were too endowed with power to engage in normal activities like eating. Practically, his or her face was likely swollen and painful. As a result, feeding took place through a funnel like this until the danger had passed. Size: 7.7" W x 8.55" H (19.6 cm x 21.7 cm); 9.45" H (24 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#141035

Very small areas of inactive insect damage.