Philippines, Late 19th to early 20th century, Wood

Gift of Howard Edson

This hand-carved, wooden chow bowl was found in 1916 in the Mountain Province of northern Luzon in the Philippines. It most likely belonged to the Igorot people, who are descendants of the indigenous peoples who managed to withstand Spanish and American colonization. They relied on the cultivation of wet rice and growing dry rice to support their food system and economy, which the region is still known for today. Chow bowls like this one were used by agricultural workers to receive their portion of a rice-based meal during the workday. The simple, unadorned nature of the bowl indicates that function took precedence over style in its design, as it was an object intended to be used on a daily basis.