These small bowls are used in the preparation of betel nut, which is chewed with plant additives and lime as a mild stimulant across many parts of Papua New Guinea. For older individuals who have lost their teeth, the ingredients are crushed beforehand, making them easier to consume.
Beyond their practical use, such bowls often take sculptural form. In this example, a large, detailed head sits atop a proportioned female torso that supports the vessel.