Papua New Guinea

A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

A Massim lime spatula, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea, the handle with pierced decoration of stylised birds having geometric borders, with spear-shaped blade, 27cm long - still traces of the original lime left on blade and handle. These spatulas are most commonly seen in museums, so a very special thing in great condition, thanks. The spatula is from the Trobriand Islands (now known as the Kiriwina Islands), located to the east of Papua New Guinea. Trobriand lime spatulas are among the most beautiful and elegant sculptural carvings in Melanesia.

Lime was used in the preparation of betel which was chewed as a mild narcotic, and was an integral part of life in the Massim area. The spatulas were used to remove powdered lime from the lime container. The lime was carried to the mouth and taken from the end of the spatula.

The lime, when mixed with chewed betel in the mouth, produced a mild euphoria.


A Massim lime spatula of dark wood (ebony), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea