A large and very fine oval platter used for serving prepared sago and or sago grubs, the larvae of the capricorn beetle. The outer edge is decorated with a carved rim of stylized crocodile scales while the handle is carved as two chickens.

Iatmul People, Middle Sepik River, P.N.G., New Guinea, Melanesia.

Wood with erosion, insect damage and wear. 93,5 x 39 x 3 cm. XIX/XXth century.

Field collected by Ed Boylan, The Paulian Society, Sydney.

Ref.: Kelm, H.: KUNST VOM SEPIK. Vol. I, II, III. Berlin, Museum für Volkerkunde. 1966.