Carved Bamboo Container with Fitted Lid | Incised Geometric Design | Circa 19th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Island Southeast Asia (likely Borneo/Dayak or Timor, possibly Papua New Guinea)
Material: Carved bamboo with fitted lid, incised decoration darkened with pigment
Period: 19th Century
Description
This elegant carved bamboo container is a fine example of Southeast Asian ritual craftsmanship. Cylindrical in form and retaining both its fitted lid and base, the vessel is decorated throughout with precisely incised geometric motifs — including zigzags, diamonds, and cross-hatched panels — which have been darkened with pigment to enhance their visual impact. Such containers were commonly used to store powdered lime for betel nut chewing, though similar forms also held tobacco or medicinal substances. The piece’s completeness, with both lid and base preserved, makes it a particularly rare survival.
Features
- Complete bamboo container with original lid and base
- Intricate incised geometric designs darkened with pigment
- Likely used as a lime container for betel nut chewing, or for tobacco/medicine
- Strong parallels to Dayak, Timorese, and Melanesian bamboo carving traditions
- Retains patina of age with interior traces of original use
Cultural Significance
Carved bamboo containers were essential in both daily life and ritual across Island Southeast Asia and Melanesia. Beyond their practical role, the incised motifs often carried symbolic meaning, transforming utilitarian vessels into objects of status, identity, and spiritual significance. Complete examples with lids are comparatively rare and are now highly collectible as ethnographic art.
Condition
Excellent overall condition with light surface wear and natural patina. Incised decoration remains crisp and well-defined. Both lid and base intact and fitting securely.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Age
19th Century
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Island Southeast Asia (likely Borneo/Dayak or Timor, possibly Papua New Guinea)
Material: Carved bamboo with fitted lid, incised decoration darkened with pigment
Period: 19th Century
Description
This elegant carved bamboo container is a fine example of Southeast Asian ritual craftsmanship. Cylindrical in form and retaining both its fitted lid and base, the vessel is decorated throughout with precisely incised geometric motifs — including zigzags, diamonds, and cross-hatched panels — which have been darkened with pigment to enhance their visual impact. Such containers were commonly used to store powdered lime for betel nut chewing, though similar forms also held tobacco or medicinal substances. The piece’s completeness, with both lid and base preserved, makes it a particularly rare survival.
Features
- Complete bamboo container with original lid and base
- Intricate incised geometric designs darkened with pigment
- Likely used as a lime container for betel nut chewing, or for tobacco/medicine
- Strong parallels to Dayak, Timorese, and Melanesian bamboo carving traditions
- Retains patina of age with interior traces of original use
Cultural Significance
Carved bamboo containers were essential in both daily life and ritual across Island Southeast Asia and Melanesia. Beyond their practical role, the incised motifs often carried symbolic meaning, transforming utilitarian vessels into objects of status, identity, and spiritual significance. Complete examples with lids are comparatively rare and are now highly collectible as ethnographic art.
Condition
Excellent overall condition with light surface wear and natural patina. Incised decoration remains crisp and well-defined. Both lid and base intact and fitting securely.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Age
19th Century
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