Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik, Iatmul, ca. mid 20th century CE. A remarkable hollowed out gourd that functions as a lime container, also known as a "Bandi Na Iavo", presenting a pointed base and an elongated ovoid body that tapers to a narrow rim with a stopper that also functions as a spatula carved from the bone of a bird. The caramel-hued vessel features several incised registers of an intricate abstract design along its smooth body consisting of ovoid shapes, abstract geometric motifs, and maze-like patterns. The lengthy spatula is carved to have a slender body with a pointed base and an abstract shape with a loop at its head. Size: 2.5" W x 20.5" H (6.4 cm x 52.1 cm); 22.25" H (56.5 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The Iatmul and other Middle Sepik peoples use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with lime made from burnt shells or coral and other substances to produce a mild stimulant effect. Among the Iatmul, the ornate containers and spatulas used respectively to hold and serve the lime had ceremonial as well as practical functions. Ceremonial lime containers were presented to newly initiated boys by their maternal uncles to mark their newly achieved status... To express pride, assertiveness, or anger, Iatmul men rapidly thrust the spatula in and out of the lime container so that the ridges, rubbing against the edges of the hole in the top, produced a harsh grating noise."

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#141652

Collection label on side. Repaired from two pieces with break line visible in some areas near top. Light softening of detail and a few light abrasions. Otherwise, excellent with nice encrustations on bone spatula.