Lime Spatula - Southeast Of Papua New Guinea - Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century

Lime Spatula - Southeast Of Papua New Guinea - Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century-photo-2

Lime Spatula - Southeast Of Papua New Guinea - Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century-photo-3

Lime Spatula - Southeast Of Papua New Guinea - Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century-photo-4

Lime Spatula - Southeast Of Papua New Guinea - Second Half Of The Nineteenth Century

Lime spatula
Massim Area, South East Papua New Guinea
Second half of the 19th century
Wood
H. 32 ; W 3 ; D 2 cm
(old accident at the lower end of the spatula)

Elegant spatula whose handle is carved, at the top, with a wider section animated by a janiform anthropomorphic figure.
The junction with the spatula is made in a linear detachment.

This utilitarian object refers to a common practice among the Melanesians: the chewing of lime.
Lime is obtained by burning shells and coral. Its composition is therefore white and powdery. The spatulas were used as utensils for taking, dosing and placing the preparation on the betel leaves.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

1 200 €