Fijian Kava Bowl with Sennit Cord and Shells

A Tanoa kava bowl, Fiji, kava bowls are used in the preparation of yaqona (kava). Kava is prepared by pounding yaqona root in to a powder and then water is added and the pounder is strained out of the liquid. The kava bowl has been carved from a single piece of wood into a deep circular form. The bowl is raised on four legs. A large triangular lug features on the exterior with a sennit woven cord secured through the pierced lug holes. Three large shells feature at the ends of the cord. The wood has been heavily sanded and lacquered dark brown. Height 18.1 cm, depth 47.7 cm