Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0004-0005   CAS 2005-0004-0005; Lime spatula
Category Carvings; Tools & Implements
Object Name Lime spatula
Culture Melanesian: Northern Massim
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist. Milne Bay Province: Massim District
County
Other Geographic Data Trobriand Islands
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950-1970
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood
Description Lime spatula carved from a single elongated piece of wood with a flat, paddle shaped spatula at its distal end, surmounted by pair of long-necked birds, which in turn support an elaborate carved column (representing an architectural element?) with two seated birds at the very top; Both faces of the device, except for the spatula end itself, are carved all over with shallowly incised parallel lines.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 4.7, Thickness = 0.6, Length = 38.3