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Blackened wooden cabinet, 17th century.
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Prestigious Lime Spatula Gabaela
Milne Bay Province, Massim Area, Papua New Guinea
19th century
Tortoiseshell
H. 19; L 13 cm
This prestigious lime spatula is called Gabaela or 'Nga. It can be identified by its material and its characteristic fan-like shape. Its short, straight handle opens onto a finely incised crescent-shaped spatula. Some regions associate it with parts of the human body: the spatula with the head, the lateral ends with the arms, the junction with the handle with the chest, and the handle with the nose, foot or male sexual attributes. Other regions turn the spatula upside down to see it as a pirogue: the handle would then rise like a mast.
These spatulas were not intended for the absorption of lime, but were reserved for ceremonies in the southern Aire Massim. They sometimes accompanied young women of marriageable age, forming part of their dowry. They could also be used as currency.
Provenance :
- Former Galerie Anthony Meyer collection.
- Former Galerie Flak collection.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref. number : 2826
Ref: F779IFYKB1
| Condition | Very good |
| Style | Tribal Art (Oceanic Common and rituals objects of Tribal Art Style) |
| Period | 19th century (Oceanic Common and rituals objects 19th century) |
| Country of origin | Papua New Guinea |
| Shipping Time | Ready to ship in 2-3 Business Days |
| Location | 93400, Saint-Ouen, France |
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