The chewing of betel nut (Areca catechu) has been practiced across much of Asia and the Pacific for thousands of years. Wrapped in betel leaves (Piper betle) and mixed with lime, slices of the nut are chewed for the mild psychoactive and stimulating effect the mixture produces. A frequent and ubiquitous indulgence, many cultures have placed a significant degree of importance upon the chewing of betel nut, and have ascribed to it certain metaphorical and spiritual meanings. In the Solomon Islands, betel nut plays a role in gift-giving ceremonies such as betrothal and propitiatory offerings to spirits.

Melanesian artists applied a great deal of artistic energy to the production of betel nut paraphernalia, the most iconic of which is the lime spatula. This implement is used to extract a dose of lime (made from burnt shells or coral) from a container to be added to the betel packet. The handles and finials of spatulas, which are sometimes quite large, are often carved with elaborate figural or abstract designs distinctive to the maker’s region.

The sweeping and sinuous shape of this Solomon Islands spatula is a reference to the qauata, a light, leaf-shaped parrying shield that warriors used to deflect arrows and spears. Gracefully swelling and tapering along its length, its curved form flows elegantly down to a spearhead-like point, which the betel preparer would slip into a cylindrical bamboo container to withdraw a measure of lime. A narrow, central ridge with a diving frigate bird design is carved in relief down the middle of the form, again in direct homage to the aesthetics of full-sized parrying shields.

The spatula retains its original Oldman tag.