Papua New Guinea

Carved wooden bowls.. The best ones, from the remote Trobriand Islands in Milne Bay Province, are carved from solid ebony, although this is scarce these days and often kwila, or rosewood, is used instead. The lips of these bowls are usually carved in patterns of fish or birds. Visit PNG Arts (tel. +675 25 3976) in Port Moresby for bowls and other handicrafts.

Skull racks, shields. The Sepik River region is famous for its art, including carved and decorated masks, skull racks, shields, storyboards, and ornamental bowls. These items are best bought from their makers in the relevant villages, although many handicrafts are available from large art stores in Port Moresby, such as PNG Arts (tel. +675 25 3976). Last Frontier Arts features handicrafts by east Sepik artists, including masks, woven goods, bowls, figurines, and jewelry, all of which are available over the Internet.