Two Ramu River feast bowls. Lower Sepik/Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. The bowls of elongated ovate form, terminating in finials, representing stylized ancestral heads. Both bowls showing extensive age and use one with elaborate carving to the rim.Bowls of this type were used during public feasts. The elaboration and the size of the bowls could indicate status of the owner, and often these were kept as cherished heirlooms from one generation to the next. These two examples are remarkable in that they have not been in any way altered by being polished or cleaned at all and maintain the original surfaces.Acquired by Marc Seidler from Rudi Ceaser, C. 1981. The Largest measures 34.5 x 11 inches, the smaller measures 27 x 9 inches.

Good, well handled and worn