Lot 186

Sepik River Sago Spatula / Stirrer, Papua New Guinea

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Sepik River Sago Spatula / Stirrer, Papua New Guinea

Estimate: $450 - $675

Starting Bid: $150

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
July 14, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden sago spatula, also known as a sago stirrer, with a paddle-shaped lower body that tapers gradually to form the narrow handle. The upper handle is incised with a broad crosshatch pattern on one side and a similar but dense pattern on the opposite side to increase the grip of the user. Interestingly, the hourglass-shaped pommel enabled the user to employ a second hand if desired. Lustrous layers of brown patina have developed across the tool. Sago, a starch extracted from the spongy center of various tropical palm stems, is a major food staple for the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea. Size: 2.25" W x 24.625" H (5.7 cm x 62.5 cm); 26" H (66 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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Item # 142679

  • Condition: Good. Light nicks and abrasions to spatula, handle, and pommel, with minor softening to some incised details, and a few stable hairline fissures, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000