OC598: Sepik Lime container

A beautiful Sepik River bamboo lime container with bone lime spatula. The incised bamboo is decorated with multiple bird forms, and highlighted with red natural pigment. The lime stick has a ancestor head in one direction and a bird head in the other. Overall good patina from age and use.     

Field collected in 1965-1966 by the Geologist Peter Austin. Ex- Todd Barlin collection, Australia.

20" tall by 2.5" diameter. Early 20th century, Sepik River Area, Papua New Guinea.