Spatule à chaux, Massim, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Collection Cornelis Pieter Meulendijk, Rotterdam
Christie's, Londres, 21 octobre 1980, The Meulendijk Collection of Tribal Art. Part 1, n° 328
Collection Harry Beran, n° inv. HB152
Collection Marcia et John Friede, New York

Exposée dans:
Nieuw-Guinea : Kunst uit privé bezit, Ethnografisch Museum, Deft, 1958

Very good condition overall. A few small chips to the bottom of the spatula; wear consistent with age and use within the culture.
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Le manche très finement ouvragé représente, dans un mouvement de lignes entrelacées, un oiseau devant les mâchoires ouvertes d'une tête de poisson. Selon Beran (1996 : 245-247 et 2000 : 56), l'association de ces deux motifs constitue un thème classique de l'art Massim, notamment dans la sculpture des proues de pirogue. cf. Beran (2000 : 56, n° 55) pour une spatule à l'iconographie comparable. Bois de palmier à patine claire, nuancée.

Lime spatula, Massim, Papua New Guinea

The dynamic intertwined lines of this very finely carved handle represent a bird in front of the open jaws of a fish. According to Beran (1996: 245-247 and 2000: 56), the combination of these two motifs is a classic theme in Massim art and is principally found on canoe prows. cf. Beran (2000: 56, no. 55) for a spatula with similar iconography.

 

Palm wood with a light and nuanced patina.