Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Wood Kava Bowl From Fiji

This is a fabulous large hand-carved wood Kava bowl from Fiji. It is supported with four short legs and show the interesting lathe marks from being hand carved. Large bowls of this kind are cut from a single block of wood (so this bowl is quiet heavy), and are for mixing the kava drink made from the roots and stems of the pepper bush mixed with water. Kava is primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity, and is very much a drink of social function and of ceremony. This impressive bowl could work as an interesting talking piece in a living room or den, and could be left empty or cradle small decorative objects.