Bidspirit auction | Two 19th Century Melanesian Incised

Two 19th Century Melanesian Incised Gourd Lime Containers - This lot consists of two lime containers (popot) fashioned from dried gourds (calabash), originating from the Melanesian region, likely Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands. Each vessel is decorated with dark-stained incised geometric and zoomorphic motifs. One gourd features a natural curve to the neck and is decorated with repeating bands of cross-hatched triangles and a large central checkerboard pattern. The second gourd is straighter and tapered, featuring a stylized fish motif (resembling a shark or bonito) centered between geometric bands of triangles and diamonds. The surfaces exhibit a deep, aged amber-to-brown patina from traditional handling and use. The openings are narrow; one container retains a tapered wooden stopper inserted into the neck. The blossom ends show natural scarring characteristic of the gourd variety. There are no maker marks, signatures, or inscriptions present on either object. Modern synthetic cordage is attached to the necks for display or tagging purposes. The straight gourd measures approximately 7.5 inches in length. The curved gourd measures approximately 8.5 inches in length. Both gourds are in stable condition with surface wear consistent with age and ethnographic use. There are minor scuffs and light scratches visible across the decorated surfaces (photo 1). Small natural surface pits and irregularities in the organic skin of the gourds are present (photo 2). A small area of surface abrasion is visible on the straight gourd near the fish motif (photo 4). The wooden stopper shows expected wear and oxidation (photo 1). No structural cracks or crushing are visible.