Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World
The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world
SAMOAN
Kava bowl
early twentieth centuryRCIN 69583
A large circular wooden kava bowl called a tanoa fai'ava, carved from a single piece of wood of the intsia bijuga tree, with a flat rim with a geometric decoration and an inscription in Samoan. It stands on 24 round sectioned leg and has two protruding sections at the side for hanging when not in use.
These bowls would be used at traditional 'ava (kava) ceremonies in Samoa. They are used for mixing a sedative drink made from the roots of the kava plant, which is crushed to a powder and then mixed with water. Bowls of this type have become important symbols of Samoan hospitality.
These bowls would be used at traditional 'ava (kava) ceremonies in Samoa. They are used for mixing a sedative drink made from the roots of the kava plant, which is crushed to a powder and then mixed with water. Bowls of this type have become important symbols of Samoan hospitality.