Massim Ghena Wealth Spatula from 19th Century Papua New Guinea

A fine old Massim Ghena wealth spatula, 19th century,Papua New Guinea, in the Louisiade Archipelago there are crescent-shaped wealth Spatulas made of wood and turtle shell. Their primary purpose is to display a form of red shell money currency known as bagi. These wealth objects were given to a widow during elaborate funeral feasting ceremonies and also used for other traditional payments. 'I had several of these beautiful objects and these are the last ones.' Todd Barlin. Provenance: from the famous Australian Artist Nora Heysen (1911-2003) who was in New Guinea during World War I. She had a large collection of New Guinea artefacts in her Studio home where she lived since she was a child until her death in 2003 / Todd Barlin collection. 10.83 in. x 7.48 in.