Rare Old “Big Man” Coconut Shell Cannibal Spoon or Ompi from the Azera (Adzera) People, Markham Valley, Morobe Province. Papua New Guinea. Private Collection, Mid 20th Century. ITEM SP1C, Good patina.

  • $195.00
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From our private collection, this old coconut shell drinking spoon is an outstanding example of a hand crafted everyday tool for the Azera (Adzera) people, Markham Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. It once belonged to an important tribal member, a “Big Man”.

The Ompi has a hand etched Animal Figure on the handle, possibly a cuscus, with a nose, mouth & 2 holes for eyes, also used, once, to pass a hand twisted bark twine, to be worn around the neck. Good patina.

The Azera made a large variety of coconut shell objects for their own use, this material being solid, light, reliable, waterproof and easily accessible in the field. Used at the time for food goods and drinks.

Created, at the time, with primitive tools such as shell pieces and sharp stones.

Cannibalism and rituals were an integral part of the Azera culture up to the mid 20th century.

ITEM SP1C

Size of spoon alone is 6 ½” long if you go by the curve, if you measure it straight, it becomes 5” x 3 1/2” x 1 ½”.

I have seen one go at auction for 700.00 dollars

All our collector and rare items come with pages and pages of research about provenance, and with history of the tribes and photos as well, depending on item and whenever possible. When shipping internationally, we group ship multiple purchases to save you money, and find the best rates available. If you have any questions or want to see research conducted on this piece and photos of tribes, let us know.