Kaipita, Betel Mortar

Massim, Trobriand Islands,
Papua New Guinea
Early 20th c

Provenance:  Old American collection

A traditional part of an older man’s personal paraphernalia in New Guinea and the Trobriands was his spatula, mortar and pestle that he used for betel chewing, a custom practiced on social and ritual occasions. This very rare example is in the form of a squatting human figure, most mortars are classified as being one of two other design types – drum or canoe shape.

The presence of human-like features in betel nut chewing equipment also indicates that it was potentially used in the practice of black magic. Carved faces or figures are associated to evil spirits known as “Gamagelina”, in Kiriwina, one of the main islands in the Massim region. Gamagelina are bespelled by the owner of the mortar, who “feeds” them some betel nut. The evil spirits will then come to life and harm the person targeted by the performer of the spell.

This particular example shows clear signs of use, its aged surface is worn and patinated from repeated use. Inside the extremely worn bowl at the top, there are still remains of hard pressed and compacted betel.