mbarava (Carving)
About this object
History of use
This plaque is funerary and is similar to plaques that have been kept in the burial shrines of important men.
Narrative
According to the donor, Burnett, the carving was designed to represent human figures dancing. He wrote in his catalogue that, according to the locals, "these, combined, formed the ornamentation of a cave on Choisel, which, in ancient times, had evidently been used for sepulchral purposes." He also wrote that he knew of only "...two other pieces, not as large as this, one in the British Museum and the other in the Sydney Museum."
Specific techniques
The collector, Frank Burnett, believed this carving work must have been done using strips of bamboo, in lieu of a saw.
Physical description
A large fragment of carving from the shell of a giant clam (Tridacna gigas). Geometric designs and human figures arranged in rows.
Materials
Date Made
Before 1909
Date Acquired
1927
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 23.3 cm x 24.2 cm x 1.3 cm
Object Number
C189