A1300-083
Kamana Or Sago Bowl
East Sepik Province
Papua New Guinea
Sawos People
20th C.
Incised Pottery With Pigments
These food bowls, called kamana, originate from the Sawos people in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Women construct and fire the vessels while men decorate them using chip-carving techniques and natural pigment paints. Despite their elaborate decorations, the bowls are used for everyday meals, propped up by a circular ring of plaited cane. When not in use, they are kept inverted so their designs can be appreciated.