This bowl was no doubt made to sell to travelers visiting New Zealand, rather than for tribal use, but is an early and fine example of Maori carving. The Paua shell is often used in Maori tribal art and is also known (in America) as abalone shell.

Size: approx. 6.5" long x 4" wide x 1.5" tall / Weight: 12.5 oz.

This old Maori bowl shows plenty of wear, especially on the bottom and above the eyes, where it was picked up and held many times. The wood surfaces have developed a deep, rich, dark and glossy patina and the shell also shows wear and old patina. The hand-carving tool marks are visible on the swirling designs and a dark substance was used to fill in the areas around the inset shell bowl and eyes. These attributes and the old worn patina indicate early manufacture, probably circa 1890 - 1920.