Lot 13
PAIR OF MASSIM LIME SPATULAS
EAST NEW GUINEA
African & Oceanic Art and Antiquities
Auction: 27 November 2018 at 11:00 GMT
Description
carved wood, one figural example with a mortar finial top, with the other the handle has been cut vertically into two sections to form a "clapper type"
Dimensions
longest 35cm
Footnote
Provenance:
Private collection, Scotland
Note:
The "clapper type" example present here holds an interesting dual function. As well as their primary purpose in preparing betel nuts for consumption, clapper spatulas also act as musical instruments. The handles of these spatulas are cut vertically into two and the center is hollowed out to form a sounding cavity. When shaken or struck against the hand it produces the characteristic "clap". Whilst in some mainland communities they are simply utilised to accompany singing and dance, on the Trobriand Islands clappers are reserved for chiefs to use to warn others of their approach. (Metropolitan Museum of Art 2017).