Marquesas Islands Bowl

Bowl, 19th Century
Polynesian Culture, Marquesas Islands
Wood , 7 in. height x 18 in. diameter
Purchased with Bowers Acquisition Funds
2004.34.1 This carved wood bowl from the Marquesas Islands has a diameter of 18 inches making it remarkable in size compared to other known examples in museum collections. The broad interior of the bowl is smooth with repeating triangular designs along the flattened rim. The exterior is highly ornamented throughout with low-relief geometric designs. Seven wedge shaped sections divided into three rectangular panels radiate from the round symmetrical pattern at the base which is a stylized face. There is a symbolic relationship linking concepts of body and face to Marquesan art objects; the most recognizable of these is the tiki figure that reoccurs throughout a range of sculpture.

Relatively little is understood about the complexities of early Marquesan art since culturally relevant information was indefinitely lost in the later 19th century from the result of rapid changes in population, tourism and exchange through trade or sale. Intricate geometric designs adorned a variety of carved Marquesas objects and it is believed that, at least in some cases, these designs relate to the intricate tattoo patterns that covered the bodies of both Marquesas men and women.

Marquesan art, people and the islands themselves have been highly influential among writers such as Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and artist Paul Gauguin, all who spent time there.

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