FINE TROBRIAND ISLAND MORTAR AND PESTLE

Carved wood, 23 7/8” height. The base finely carved as two male figures, back to back with graduated pyramidal band surrounds. The faces with representation of scarification. The neck with a similar band flanked by incised stylized geometry and nature motifs. The pestle with elongated tip mating with the cavity in the mortar. Hand grip decorated with further matching motifs. The top carved as a series of abstract motifs, probably inspired by canoe sails, incorporating a pair of addorsed faces, the top as a pair of pelican heads, incised throughout with traditional flowing forms. Excellent throughout with a single tooth of one of the grip bands chipped. No evidence of lime inlay and apparently never used. Probably a sacrificial offering.