Massim Lime Spatula by Master of the Scallop-ZigZag
A superbly carved lime-spatula, representing a single figure wearing a conial hat as the handle. The ancestor is finely carved with its elbows to knees in the classical squatting position (closed hocker). The arms and legs are decorated with beautifully carved scallop-zigzag designs. While the artist here remains yet to be identified other than by his typical carving style of the scallop-zigzag designs on the arms and legs of this figure and one other spatula (previously in the Galerie Meyer collection) it is absolutely certain that it is a Master-Carver of distinction who carved this spatula. There are other identifiers within the style of this lime-spatula such as the scrolls on the blade, the dorsal ornament, and the inverted triangle on the nape of the neck. Northern (?), Massim Area, Papua New Guinea. Ebony wood. 23,1 cm. 19th century.