Lime Spatula Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, Late 19th Century

LIME SPATULA Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea End of XIXth century - Beginning of XXth century Wood Height: 35; Width: 4.5 cm Wooden spatula whose fully openwork handle is carved with an anthropomorphic figure in an architectural arcade. He is seen from the front, standing with his legs separated from each other and his right hand over his heart. The back of the spatula presents his shoulder blades, buttocks and bent knees. The architecture in which the character is included is made up of two fine uprights forming columns, entirely incised with ribbon motifs. It is crowned with an outgrowth with curved lines, evoking a stylized bird. This avian figure is repeated on the lower part of the spatula. This time the bird has a particularly long neck. This utilitarian object refers to a common practice among the Melanesians: the chewing of lime. Lime is obtained by burning seashells and corals. Its composition is therefore white and powdery. The spatulas were used as a tool for sampling, dosing and placing the preparation on the betel leaves. Text and photos © FCP CORIDON