Lot Essay
Mortars such as these were used to grind areca nuts. The center was replaced with a newer piece of wood when in use.
Property of MR. and MRS. STANLEY MARCUS
A COASTAL SEPIK RIVER BETEL NUT MORTAR
Details
A COASTAL SEPIK RIVER BETEL NUT MORTAR
Probably from the Murik Lake region
On a cylindrical base, outwardly bulging the shaft with two human masks and two elongated heads with large ears, the masks with broad noses, deeply inset eyes, curvilinear incisions on foreheads, oval container at the top, encrusted patina, 6¾in. (17.1cm.) high
Probably from the Murik Lake region
On a cylindrical base, outwardly bulging the shaft with two human masks and two elongated heads with large ears, the masks with broad noses, deeply inset eyes, curvilinear incisions on foreheads, oval container at the top, encrusted patina, 6¾in. (17.1cm.) high
Provenance
Julius Carlebach, New York
Literature
Wardwell, A., 1971, p. 26, no. 31
Exhibited
Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Art of the Sepik River, Oct. 16-Nov. 28, 1971