Trobriand Island Massim Lime Spatula

Massim lime spatula, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea.…
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Massim lime spatula, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. Carved and engraved hardwood, dark glossy patina. Spatulas were used by preparing betel nut. The betel nut and leaf were mixed with chalk so it was chewable. Spatulas with human figures were used by magicians as protection during Kula travels. The magician asked a spirit to take place in the spatula and to protect the owner during his sleep, length 36 x 3 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, New South Wales

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  • Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.

    As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.

    Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.

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