Artwork Page for Lime Spatula

Details / Information for Lime Spatula

Lime Spatula

before 1930

Melanesia, New Guinea, Massim Area, Trobriand Islands, 20th century

Medium
wood
Measurements
Overall: 32.7 cm (12 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Munro 1971.153
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Intricately carved spatulas (chunum) were used to remove a mixture of areca nut, lime, and betel pepper from gourd containers for chewing. The stylized human face and figure are decorated with lime-filled incised designs.
Dark-brown wood spatula with an elongated, smooth, teardrop-shape while a thicker upper half features a handle with carved designs and a stylized face in profile on top. The face has a smooth, round top of the head and, below, spiral designs, a rectangular block filled with blocky, interlocking "S" shapes, and then two, curling "S" shapes flanking the shaft of the spatula.

Lime Spatula

before 1930

Melanesia, New Guinea, Massim Area, Trobriand Islands, 20th century

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