Banana Scraper
Azera People, Morobe Province, Markham Valley, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Wim Minderman, The Hague, acquired in the 1950’s

This Banana Scraper from the Azera People in the Morobe Province of the Markham Valley is made of pigs’ bone. The handle of the scrapper is fashioned into the face of a Flying Fox. The face is cut away from the rest of the object and angularly shaped. This is one of the oldest Azera banana scrappers I have come across, in both stylistic terms and surface patina. There is a refined naturalism found only on the most ancient examples.

Height: 7 inches / 17.8 cm
Price on request / IN 7-05-17