Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Trobriand Islands, Massim, ca. mid-20th century CE. A delicately-carved dark wood lime spatula used to obtain powdered lime from burnt shell and coral remains and prepare it for use. Boasting a deep hue of mocha, the fascinating implement presents a lengthy, slender form with a flared handle and a straight body that is adorned by intricately carved curvilinear designs depicting ancestral spirits. Lime powder is an essential ingredient in betel chewing and is combined orally with leaves from a betel-pepper plant and crushed areca nuts to produce an intoxicating mixture. Betel chewing has been practiced throughout Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India for centuries. Size: 2.25" W x 17" H (5.7 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dr. Edward A. Spiegel collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#163863

Intact and excellent.