A RARE AND IMPORTANT ALGONQUIAN BOWL

Details
A RARE AND IMPORTANT ALGONQUIAN BOWL

Of truncated oval form, the end with two large arcs, tapering handle with scalloped edges and a large bear head facing the bowl, the entire outer edge with a broad groove, 8¼in. (20.9cm.) wide
Provenance
The Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Connecticut
Literature
Willoughby, 1908, p. 431, fig. 107

Lot Essay

This fine effigy bowl was given to The Slater Memorial Museum when it was first founded in 1886 by William A. Slater in memory of his father. The catalogue information that accompanied this piece described it as a "carved wood succotash bowl" which was possibly attributed to the "Narragansett Indians" (catalogue no. 10.80). It is probably carved from curly or bird's-eye maple and its elegant lines, ridged rim and masterfully carved bear's head suggest an 18th century date.