Tami
Betel Nut Mortar
Tami, 1900-1932
Scroll
Tami
Betel Nut Mortar
Tami, 1900-1932
Physical Qualities
Wood, pigment, 8 x 3 1/8 in. (20.3 x 8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger
Object Number
1955.251.87
Old FL label 2003: " Huon Gulf and Tami Island carvers portrayed images of human figures, heads, and faces on many kinds of objects. These images represent spirits with important roles in religious and social life. The most vibrant creations are masks (photo) representing the spirits. The kneeling figure supporting this mortar has eyepaint designs incised above and below the eye, and an image of a plumed dance headdress encircling the bowl."
Old KF label date unknown: "Huon Gulf and Tami Island carvers portrayed images of human figures, heads, and faces on many kinds of objects. These images represent spirits with important roles in religious and social life. The most vibrant creations are masks (photo) representung the spirits. The kneeling figure supporting this mortar has eyepaint designs incised above and below the eye, and an image of a plumed dance headdress encircling the bowl."
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1955; Alan Wurtzburger
Douglas F. Fraser & Paul S. Wingret, "The Wurtzburger Collection of Oceanic Art" , BMA 1956 pg 29-30. ills 87.
