Massim Figurative Lime Spatula Top-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
This is the figurative portion of a Massim lime spatula. The figure itself is large and very finely done with delicately curved arms and legs carved free from the torso and tucked neatly to the sides. The face is wide-eyed and has an oral projection coming from the mouth. The backside is carved with stylized bird’s head motif on the shoulders and maybe a delineation of ribs beneath. The piece comes from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede and was published in Harry Beran’s “Betel-chewing Equipment of East New Guinea” on page 22, fig. 9. It was part of Harry Beran’s personal collection (HB 130) and he acquired it from the auction of the estate of M. F. V. Steele, in Brisbane, October 1980—you can read Harry Beran’s own essay “Recollections of a Former Massim Art Collector” here. The piece dates to the 19th century, is 9 ¾” (24.7 cm) in height and sells for $5500.