Collingwood Bay Clapper Lime Spatula/New Guinea Art/Oceanic Art
One of the benefits of field collecting is the chance to see how one culture transitions into another as you approach the border areas. For example, I field collected this lime spatula in the far southern reaches of Collingwood Bay toward Cape Vogel and Milne Bay Province and the start of the Massim culture. The spatula is of the “clapper” type with an open space between the split handle that when whacked against the thigh makes a clapping sound. Clapper lime spatulas are a Massim phenomenon which has here been recreated by a Collingwood Bay carver. I published this art historically important spatula in my “Art of the Massim & Collingwood Bay” catalog from 2009, no. 146, page 233. The spatula dates to the late 19th/early 20th century, is 16 ½” (42 cm) in height, shows extensive use and has a beautiful patina. It sells for $1800. Questions?