**Originally Listed At $650**
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden sago spatula, also known as a sago stirrer, with a paddle-shaped lower body that tapers gradually to form the narrow handle. The upper handle is incised with a broad crosshatch pattern on one side and a similar but dense pattern on the opposite side to increase the grip of the user. Interestingly, the hourglass-shaped pommel enabled the user to employ a second hand if desired. Lustrous layers of brown patina have developed across the tool. Sago, a starch extracted from the spongy center of various tropical palm stems, is a major food staple for the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea. Size: 2.25" W x 24.625" H (5.7 cm x 62.5 cm); 26" H (66 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#142679
Condition
Light nicks and abrasions to spatula, handle, and pommel, with minor softening to some incised details, and a few stable hairline fissures, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.