BETEL NUT MORTAR

Lower Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea

Bowl is supported by an ancestral or zoomorphic figure which is typical of the style from this region. The specific carving style featured is characteristic of Oceanic tribal art, particularly the Ramu or Murik Lakes Regions, with lime (crushed shells) rubbed into the fine engraved designs to make them stand out. These small vessels are used to crush up betel-nut by older people who have lost their teeth.

Size: 16.5 cm (height) 7.3 cm (width) 7.8 cm (depth)

Weigh: 129 grams