Late 19th century Maori large food bowl (kumete) of elliptical form. Carved all over with a central ridge consisting of two stylised anthropomorphic figures separated by a central loop, the eyes of each figure inlaid with paua shells, each side of the lid carved with a large tiki head with inlaid paua shell eyes and nose, within carved curvilinear pattern, the base with figureheads at each end and tiki-style inlaid with paua shell eyes on each side. kumetes would be used for the purpose of serving up preserved birds to visitors of rank. This kumete was discovered in England. Height 35 cm. Length 71 cm.