Two Matankol People Admiralty Islands Bismarck Archipelago Lime Gourds

Two Matankol People Admiralty Islands Bismarck Archipelago Lime Gourds
Incised with geometric motifs, together with two carved figural wooden lime spatulas, one decorated with small glass trade beads
Early 20th Century
Size: 23cm high and 16cm high – 9 ins high and 6½ ins high (respectively)
35cm long and 34 cm long – 13¾ ins long and 13¼ ins long (spatulas)
The extremely popular custom of betel nut chewing was practised in many areas of Melanesia. The betel mixture was composed of the nut of the Areca palm, the fruit or leaves of the betel peper and the lime produced by burning coral or shell. The nut was sometimes pounded to a powder. The lime was stored in containers such as these fine examples and taken with the spatula made of wood, bone or shell. These examples are of carved wood with figurative finials probably representing ancestors.

Two Matankol People Admiralty Islands Bismarck Archipelago Lime Gourds

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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk