Solomon Islands Lime Spatula

Mid 19th century. Black palm wood. 13 3/4" length with oval section grip and expanded rings at the transition. Leaf shaped spatulate blade. Excellent with medium surface encrustation from age and use. Used to prepare and apply the burned sea shells which provided the white pigment which was used for decoration of tools and weapons as well as body painting. The Solomon Islands were visited by sailing ships, particularly whalers, from the 18th century on, trading for provisions and taking on islanders as crew.