|
Ten-legged vessel with trapezoidal lug and flaring rim. The tondo with residues
of kava, "yaggona" remaining in the tondo. (cf. D'Alleva, 1990, cat. 49 for
a related example attributed to Lau Island.) Kava (or yanggona) is the root
of Piper Methysticum, which yields a mildly intoxicating drink when fermented.
Though this root is not abundant in Lau, kava consumption is greater here than
in any other part of Fiji. Kava is drunk both casually and ceremonially; Lauans
performed both Fijian and Tongan kava ceremonies. The large multi-legged bowls
are said to have been introduced into Lau by Tongan carpenters. See Anne
D'Alleva,
Art and Artifacts of Polynesia, Hurst Gallery, 1990. (Page 47) |
