A SEPIK BETEL NUT MORTAR

Provenance: Steijler Mission SVD, Blönried, Germany

Peoples throughout the Sepik region use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with lime made from burnt shells or coral and other substances to produce a mild stimulant effect. Sepik peoples create a variety of betel nut chewing accessories. When chewing, the individual periodically places the nut and a small quantity of lime in the mortar and crushes it with a pestle to release the active ingredients before placing it back in the mouth. Nice patina of use. Faces on both sides.

Sepik Area, Papua New Guinea
Wood, 12 x 8 cm, nice patina of use.

Price:  € 675,-