Finial from a Lime Spatula
- Culture
- Massim Area artist
- Date
- probably 19th to early 20th century
- Material
- Wood and traces of lime
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Collection
- Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 5 9/16 x 13/16 in. (14.1 x 2.1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 324:1957
NOTES
This very fine old figure was carved from ebony and was originally the handle finial of a lime spatula, the blade of which is now missing. Lime spatulas were very personal objects used daily by people living in the Massim region, and they are among the most beautiful objects to have originated from this highly creative area. Human figures are the main theme of many spatula handles, although the range of imagery can vary widely. The crouching or squatting form seen in this piece is the customary way of portraying the human figure.
Provenance
- 1957
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack, St. Louis, MO, USA
1957 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Novack [1]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated November 25, 1957 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and the Advisory Committee of the City Art Museum, November 7, 1957.
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack, St. Louis, MO, USA
1957 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Novack [1]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated November 25, 1957 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and the Advisory Committee of the City Art Museum, November 7, 1957.
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