A Selection of Oceanic Art / OC-121601-01
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OC-121601-01

Spatula
Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
Wood, beads, buttons, powdered white lime
Probably mid 20th century
L: 12 in. (30.48 cm)
Possibly for Kula exchange, this spatula has a forked blade, which would have facilitated its use as a hair ornament. The form is otherwise that of a lime spatula; the scalloped handle is engraved and rubbed with white powdered lime and has five shirt buttons of various colors attached, each with pendant strands of glass beads.