Kumete (bowl)

item details

NameKumete (bowl)

ProductionRarotonga

Classificationbowls

Materialswood, shell (animal material)

Materials Summarypearl shell

Techniqueswoodcarving

DimensionsOverall: 400mm (width), 150mm (height), 324mm (diameter)

Registration NumberFE007856

Credit lineGift of the Estate of Viscount Galway, 1980

Overview

This wooden kumete (bowl) from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands has four circular legs and two handles. It is circular in shape with a wide flat rim that is inset with eight diamond-shaped pieces of pearl shell. Incised on its outside surface is the date '11th July 1939'.

Form and function

In the Cook Islands, wooden bowls vary in name, size, shape, and features. Often made of tamanu wood, the small to medium sized bowls are used for domestic purposes and the larger bowls for feasts. Kumete from the Cook Islands are usually oval or round in shape, with an upward projecting rim.

Acquisition

This kumete was donated to the National Museum (Te Papa's predecessor) in 1980 by the Estate of Viscount Galway. Viscount Galway was Governor General of New Zealand from 1935 to 1941, and, in April 1939, the patron for the Polynesian Society.