Lot 256C
Papua New Guinea, Trobriand Islands, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden betel nut pounder, including the pestle and container, both finely carved and adorned with mesmerizing incised curvilinear and stylized geometric details, some of which are adorned with white pigment. The container presents an intricate design featuring two maskettes, one on each side of the cylindrical upper body beneath the convex rim, this section above a pedestal comprised of a round 'head', two angled 'feet' (each in line with the maskette above), and a rounded base. Trobriand Island lime pounders and containers are among the most collectible examples of carved material culture from Oceania. They are related to betel nut chewing, an activity that accompanies many social and ritualistic occasions. Size: 4" in diameter at widest point x 19.375" H (10.2 cm x 49.2 cm)
The practice of betel nut chewing actually involves the chewing of three substances together: the nut of a palm (which purportedly tastes similar to nutmeg); the leaf, bean, or stem of the betel vine, which is a member of the pepper family; and hydrated or slaked lime (from burned seashells or coral or from mountain lime). When chewed, this mixture becomes a mild stimulant thought to alleviate pain, reduce hunger, create a general feeling of well being, and increase a person's capacity to work. Chewing betel nut often makes Trobrianders' teeth appear red.
Provenance: ex private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection acquired at Sotheby's in 1992
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#124780
- Condition: Area of repair to lower end of upper section of container as shown. Age crack to base. Some expected surface wear and nicks. Nice patina.
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