Massim Lime Spatulas, Provenance, Museum Collection New Guinea Art/Oceanic
As some of you hopefully read in my 2020 Oceanic Art Market Report, I believe Massim lime spatulas to be undervalued at the moment. Thus I have put together this fine group—with the far right example actually coming from the Abelam area. Left is an important one from both the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede and Harry Beran (HB 575)--originally from Andy Patterson of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Beran wrote in the caption for it in my 2013 catalog Collecting New Guinea Art “I think of this spatula as the Zen clapper because it continued in use as a lime spatula for a long time after it lost half its handle, as is obvious from the deep glossy patina on the inside of the remaining half. According to Patterson, it came from an old missionary collection and its deep patina and heavy saliva stains show that it was already old at the time of collection.” The spatula dates to the 19th century or before, is 11 ¼” (28.5 cm) in height and sells for $2000.
Second from left is of the type with a sharp central raised rib on each side. On top sits a pump bird, at the juncture to the blade are faces with long pointed ears. The spatula dates to the late 19th century, is 13 ½” (34.3 cm) in height and sells for $1300.
Middle spatula with the large loop handle and dark glossy patina bears the Peter Hallinan collection number H569. This one dates to the late 19th century, is 15 5/8” (39.6 cm) in height and sells for $1450.
Fourth from left has an early and important provenance. It was bought by the Pitt-Rivers Museum in Dorset England from William Downing Webster on April 2nd, 1898 and was illustrated by a fine watercolor drawing in the Pitt-Rivers Museum acquisition journal vol. 8, page 2183—see attached image. It was sold by the London dealer Peter Adler in 1982 to Harry Beran (HB 190) and then made its way into the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede. Beran published the spatula in his “Betel-chewing Equipment of East New Guinea” 1988, no. 59. The spatula is nice and thin with a rounded top and fine curvilinear designs in-filled with white lime. It is 13 1/8” (33.2 cm) in height. SOLD
The righthand spatula is from the Abelam area and features a nice openwork steeple topped with a Christian cross—signifying the changed source of spiritual power for the owner. This one dates to the mid 20th century, is 12 3/8” (31.4 cm) in height and sells for $900. Questions?