**Originally Listed At $275**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Trobriand Islands, 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. The fascinating implement boasts a natural woodgrain surface in a rich hue of chocolate brown. The upper portion - the handle - is decorated with an openwork and scrollwork motif of an abstract geometric design with carefully incised details. The spoon then expands to a long, flat, rounded base. Lime powder is an essential ingredient in betel chewing and is combined orally with leaves from a betel-pepper plant as well as crushed areca nuts to produce an intoxicating mixture. Betel chewing has been practiced throughout Indonesia, Oceania, and India for centuries. Size: 1.75" W x 13.375" H (4.4 cm x 34 cm); 14.875" H (37.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA 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.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#141739

Collection label on back. Slight warping to end of spatula with a stable hairline surface fissure. Expected surface wear commensurate with age and use with a few minor nicks and abraded areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent.