20th C. PNG Ramu River Betel Dish, Abstract Birds

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Ramu River region, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An intriguing wooden betel dish featuring abstract avian figures supporting the shallow basin with their heads and arms. Two identical and janiform bird creatures form the pedestal, and these figures have distinctive long, curved beaks that form loops, a classic style from this region. Incised motifs above and below the birds may represent additional faces or zoomorphic forms. Two arms reach upward and two long necks with additional avian heads and looped beaks support to the ovoid dish. These stylized creatures likely represent ancestor spirits. Such dishes were used for grinding betel nuts, which were commonly chewed for their narcotic properties. A wonderful example of the form with animistic symbolism! Size: 5" W x 7.375" H (12.7 cm x 18.7 cm)