Lake Sentani Eating Utensil
Eating utensil
Lake Sentani, Humboldt Bay, West Papua
Palm wood, Natural fibers
Length: 50 cm
Collected c. 1950
Ex collection A.M.
This eating utensil from Humboldt Bay / Lake Sentani dates to around 1950. The utensil consists of two small wooden sticks, made from dark brown palm wood, The sticks are tied together at the ends with a narrow binding. This construction allows the free ends to gently diverge, forming a functional fork-like tool. Both ends are decorated with a fish motif.
These eating utensils were used exclusively for consuming sago broth (nas), a staple food in the region. Traditionally, the utensil was carried on the upper arm.
€ 100
