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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Lime Spatula
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Lime Spatula

Artist/Maker (Artist Unknown)
Datelate 19th to early 20th century
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 11 5/8 x 2 x 1/2 in. (29.5 x 5.1 x 1.3 cm)
ClassificationsTools and Equipment
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.20
    DescriptionThe southeastern region of Papua New Guinea (Massim Region) together with its off shore islands is famous for its kula circle, a ceremonial trading system that linked wide spread locations and dispersed a single style of art over the entire area. Ritually exchanged gifts circulated widely and often ended up great distances from where they were created. This common style, referred to as Massim, is characterized by complex interlocked curvilinear patterns, lightly incised but sculpturally conceived and arranged along a longitudinal axis. Sometimes life forms like frigate birds or crocodiles can be discerned among the abstract curves. Lime spatulas were among the most popular kula exchange objects and were made in great numbers. The lime spatulas were used with betel, a mild narcotic that, when chewed, induces copious amounts of red-stained saliva often symbolically associated with blood when used in rituals. The spatula is used to scoop lime from decorated gourds to mix with the betel in carved mortars.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chimú-Inca
    1460-1532
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    6th century BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jacob Jordaens
    ca. 1620-1625
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    3rd to 2nd century BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Asmat people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1-700