This deep round type of bowl, with its carefully sculpted indentations on the brim, is called ‘duyu’ among the Ifugao of Luzon, the northern main island of the Philippines. It is usually the ‘priests’, healers and soothsayers of the Ifugao who drank from such ‘duyu tureens’ during ritual rice wine ceremonies. Only the high ranks of society could use ‘duyu bowls’ for quotidian purposes. Ordinarily one drank from bowls with unindented brims. The present ‘duyu bowl’ is carved from very hard, dark wood. With a low, protruding foot which has two small holes for attaching a carrying strap. All round along the outer side of the bowl is an inwardly curving decorative groove. In the 5 cm-wide upper brim of the ‘duyu’ there are ten semicircular recesses, each with a middle ridge, and all very carefully incorporated. These are ‘mouthpieces’ for the drinking of the rice wine. Due to protracted use, this ritual object has old black-brown patina and minimal slight cracks on the bottom of the bowl (not throughout). Otherwise no damage! Height: 11 cm; Diameter: 17 cm (below), 22 cm (upper section, on the inside). 19th century to the first third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Private Collection of Prof. Dr. Rudolf Leopold.