Lot 30B
Oceania, Melanesia, Vanuatu, possibly Torres Islands, ca. late 19th century CE. Shaped with graceful precision from a single piece of caramel-hued hardwood, this late 19th century pudding knife from Vanuatu carries both practical and ceremonial significance. Its long, tapering blade is smooth from use, designed to cut portions of lap-lap - the baked pudding of yam, taro, or banana central to the traditional Vanuatu diet. Rising from the blade, the handle features an intricate openwork section with symbolic meaning: the carved voids represent sacred fire rings, gatherings reserved for men of the owner's social grade. Above the openwork, the handle splits into two slender spines with finely notched inner edges, culminating in a rounded terminal with subtle texturing. Each pudding knife was distinct, its form reflecting the social rank of its owner. Size: 27.1" L x 2.3" W (68.8 cm x 5.8 cm)
Beyond its role in dividing and serving food, the knife was used much like a spoon, lifting individual portions to the mouth. In this way, it functioned as both a personal dining implement and a visible emblem of identity, status, and membership in exclusive male circles.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased in November 2000; ex-Peter Boyd, Seattle, Washington, USA; ex-Europe (Kallas-Lewis)
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#195965
- Condition: Old repair to openwork decoration with break lines just barely visible. Some minor wear to wood with a few nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with light patina in areas.
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