Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Cassowary bone, nassa shells, pyro-incised gourd
Height: 14½ in (37 cm)
Provenance: German private collection
Lime sticks and their accompanying containers were personal objects used across Papua New Guinea in connection with betel nut chewing, a practice with both social and ceremonial dimensions throughout the Sepik region. Among the Iatmul, these objects were often carved with considerable care, the lime stick serving as a personal item carried and displayed by its owner, its form and decoration reflecting the maker's skill and the owner's standing. The cassowary, whose bone provides the material for this stick, held particular significance in Sepik cosmology and ceremonial life.
The lime stick is carved in the form of a parrot, the bird rendered with clearly articulated head and wings, and adorned with hundreds of nassa shells along its length — a form of decoration that adds both visual density and the sound of movement when the object is handled. The accompanying gourd container is decorated with pyro-incised patterning consistent with Iatmul surface treatment traditions. The two pieces survive together as a complete set, the stick and container intact, the nassa shell decoration present throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Cassowary bone, nassa shells, pyro-incised gourd
Height: 14½ in (37 cm)
Provenance: German private collection
Lime sticks and their accompanying containers were personal objects used across Papua New Guinea in connection with betel nut chewing, a practice with both social and ceremonial dimensions throughout the Sepik region. Among the Iatmul, these objects were often carved with considerable care, the lime stick serving as a personal item carried and displayed by its owner, its form and decoration reflecting the maker's skill and the owner's standing. The cassowary, whose bone provides the material for this stick, held particular significance in Sepik cosmology and ceremonial life.
The lime stick is carved in the form of a parrot, the bird rendered with clearly articulated head and wings, and adorned with hundreds of nassa shells along its length — a form of decoration that adds both visual density and the sound of movement when the object is handled. The accompanying gourd container is decorated with pyro-incised patterning consistent with Iatmul surface treatment traditions. The two pieces survive together as a complete set, the stick and container intact, the nassa shell decoration present throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
