Coconut Shell Spoon
Azera, Markham Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Provenance: Important American collection. This coconut shell spoon is an outstanding example of a common type of everyday tool for the Azera people. Its formal qualities suggest it belonged to an important person, perhaps a Big Man. The flying fox design forming the handle can also be found on soup clay pots. The Azera made a large variety of coconut shell objects, this material being particularly solid, light and easily accessible.
Coconut Shell Spoon
Azera, Markham Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Provenance: Important American collection. This coconut shell spoon is an outstanding example of a common type of everyday tool for the Azera people. Its formal qualities suggest it belonged to an important person, perhaps a Big Man. The flying fox design forming the handle can also be found on soup clay pots. The Azera made a large variety of coconut shell objects, this material being particularly solid, light and easily accessible.