Papua New Guinea Dep Dep Betel Nut Mortar Double Face

This is an old hand carved small wood Dep Dep Betel Mortar or Paint Dish from Lower Sepik River of Papua New Guinea. These dishes or cups are carved out of a single piece of wood with clan designs and ancestor figures. Sepik peoples create a variety of betel nut chewing accessories. This cup like figure is a betel nut mortar, used by individuals who have lost their teeth to aid in chewing betel nut. Some betel nut mortars, carried by male elders, served as marks of secular and religious authority, and are adorned with images of spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural beings, some also had magical properties. The dishes were also used to mix paint when the were doing their body and face painting decorations. All individually carved and used by the older men. The men would do the mixing of the paint and it would be the Deities and or Ancestors holding up the the Dep Dep dish to protect and enhance its purpose. This Dep Dep dish is so unique and nowadays very hard to find. This Betel Nut or Paint dish would be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Shows age,but in good condition

6 1/4 Inches Tall
2 Inches Wide
2 1/4 Inches Deep

AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT THE WORLD OF BACARA.WOB