Antique Hand-carved 20th Century Polynesian Kava Bowl
These rare and stunning wooden kava bowls, called a tanoa fai'ava, were handmade in Samoa in the early-1900s and sourced during our recent sourcing trip to Hawaii. Carved from a single piece of wood, this bowl stands on twelve round legs with a rope looped through a hole on one side used for hanging when not in use. Kava bowls were originally used by Polynesian elders for ceremonial purposes to mix a sedative tea made from the roots of the kava plant. The kava plant was crushed to a fine powder, mixed with water, and that tea was used for sacred ceremonial or medicinal purposes. These bowls are a remarkable example of centuries-old craftsmanship and have become important symbols of Samoan hospitality. They are often still used for ceremonial tea or displayed as sculptural pieces of art.
Whether your interior aesthetics be Wabi-Sabi, Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Global Eclectic, or Rustic Farmhouse to name a few, these Antique Kava Bowls will elevate and enrich any space.
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Dimensions: 16.5ʺ D × 7ʺ H
This listing is for the Antique Kava Bowl in the first images. The other two cava bowls featured in the last 4 images are available and sold separately.
This piece is in wonderful vintage condition, original condition unaltered. Wear is consistent with age and use.
A detailed video of the item is available upon request.
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