Betel mortars, while common in many parts of the Sepik region are rather rare among the Abelam. Ans this is a fine example. One quite similar appears in Margaret Meads pre-WW2 publication, The Arapesh.  This is simply and elegantly carved with a great patina. with some highlights in white

It must be at least early 20th Century. Ex-Elizabeth Pryce collection, Sydney. EP-19

Size: 35 x 6 x 6

Price: $ 2,500