A Carrying Bowl, Finola

Property of a private gentlemen's club

There are no visible signs of repairs or restoration. The artefact has apparently been in the billiard room of the private gentleman's club since the early twentieth century. It is in very good condition overall with no cracking or significant damage. There are only a few small areas of minor insect damage, the largest being atop one of the handles.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. For another example in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art see Eric Kjellgren, Oceania: Art of the Pacific Islands in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press in association with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2007, p.282, cat. no.170; For extensive discussion of the rare art of this region and illustrations of three related bowls see Philippe Bourgoin, 'The Forgotten Islands of the Bismark Archipelago: The Hermits and Kaniets' in Tribal Arts, Summer, 1997, pp.64-79

Dr Eric Kjellgren notes that: 'As suitable timber did not grow on the islands, Kaniet carvers were reliant on driftwood which they shaped with axes and shell knives to create everything from canoes to weapons and personal items. A distinctive accessory for prominent men was the finola, a canoe-shaped carrying bowl adorned with intricate openwork ends that resemble the ornamented bow and stern of Kaniet canoes...finola were used to carry essential supplies for chewing betel nut, a mild stimulant used widely throughout the western Pacific, and other personal items. Larger examples of finola which can reach up to one metre in length, were also used in birth ceremonies. Shortly after birth the child was laid in a finola and washed with fresh water, after which its hair was singed with a hot coal and its body annointed with coconut oil. Only after this ceremony was complete were the women of the community allowed to offer their congratulations to the new parents.'