Name/Title
Siassi Islands BowlEntry/Object ID
MK_0321Description
This intricately carved wooden food bowl from the Siassi Islands, is fashioned in the distinctive marquise form reminiscent of a stylised ship. The Siassi Islands are an archipelago off the coast of northeast New Guinea, and are now part of Papua New Guinea - the country that takes up the eastern half of New Guinea Island. The remainder of the island, known as West Papua, is part of Indonesia.
Characterized by its rounded sides, tapered ends and meticulously hollowed interior, this bowl exudes both practicality and artistic allure. Adorning the sides of the vessel are intricate low-relief carvings of bird and snake motifs. It's oval design and intricate releif carvings are typical of bowls made by the Siassi islands craftspeople.
The bowls were the result of trade between the Islands and the larger New Guinea and New Britain islands - now also a part of Papua New Guinea - nearby. Before the introduction of the onboard motor, tradespeople were reliant on winds to cross the seas between the islands, and often had to wait months to return home. While waiting, the Siassi traders would carve and sell food bowls such as this one, as an extra source of income.
Within the Mauna Kea Hotel's distinguished collection of South Pacific wooden bowls, this carved piece captivates and invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of South Pacific craftsmanship.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection and installed in different Copper Bar locations since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel. This bowl was very recently restored.Made/Created
Place
Island/Archipelago
Seassi IslandCountry
New GuineaContinent
OceaniaDimensions
Height
12 inWidth
24 inLength
49 inLocation
Area
Promenade CorridorFloor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerRoom
2nd Floor Art Storage RoomFloor
2nd FloorBuilding
Beach WingRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerArea
Promenade CorridorFloor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerRoom
Copper BarFloor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main Tower