Description:

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.

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#163863

  • Condition: Intact and excellent.

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July 22, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000