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Mutuaga and Massim

Lime Spatula

Massim, 19th century

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Lime Spatula

Massim, 19th century

Physical Qualities Wood, pigments, W. 1 1/16 x L. 10 1/8 in. (2.7 x 25.7 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Alan Wurtzburger
Object Number 1955.251.113
2003: "Among the Massim, spatulas were not only used to serve lime, they could also be endowed with ritual power. A spatula and ritually treated palm nuts could be given to a man to induce him to join in the important and competitive trade system called kula. As preperation for a kula trip, a ritual specialist could summon a spirit to inhabit a spatula with human figures. The spirit in the spatula protected the owner while he slept." either Frederick Lamp or Kathy Fernstrom hand written notes in object file identify both as author
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1955; Alan Wurtzburger
"The Alan Wurtzburger Collection of Oceanic Art", January 7th-March 4th 1956, Baltimore Museum of Art
Douglas F. Fraser & Paul S. Wingret, "The Wurtzburger Collection of Oceanic Art" , BMA 1956 pg 32. ills 113.

Artist

Mutuaga

c. 1860 - c. 1920

Meet Mutuaga

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