Of classical form this large bowl features an unusual full Benito fish figure carved into the bowl cavity with elaborate haliotis mother-of-pearl shell inlay and terminating in finials in the form of perhaps a stylized fish hook.

This beautiful bowl is filled with food and hung by ropes in the village “Customs House”. Such a bowl is named apiranimwani meaning, bowl for men.
Ornate ceremonial food bowls were used for offerings and displayed during  traditional occasions and celebrations. Skilled craftsmen carved the wood Alstoiaa Scholaris bwona siare Borogarra tree that was then darkened by a mixture of charcoal and natural plant sap and inlaid with nautilus shell. Traditional motifs appearing on the apiras may include those of fish, birds, other animal and human figures.

Provenance: Collected  Mid C 20.

Length: 92 cm (36 inches)
Width: 15 cm (6 inches)
Height: 20cm (8 inches)
Weight 6 lbs

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