LIME SPATULA

Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

nineteenth century

Wood

H.: 30.5; L.: 2.6; Thickness: 1.3 cm

(old accident)

The oblong handle follows an openwork ornamentation animated by three avian figures and a snake.

This utilitarian object refers to a common practice among Melanesians: chewing lime.

Lime is obtained by burning shells and corals. Its composition is therefore white and powdery. The spatulas were used as utensils for taking, measuring out and arranging the preparation on the betel leaves.

Bears the label of the Beasley Collection, numbered by hand BY44 and mentioning its origin “Trobriand”.

Provenance: Harry Geoffrey Beasley

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON