Magic and myth are strong forces in the lives of the Massim. They believe that most goals and tasks that they attempt can be promoted or obstructed by magic. Magic has the power to increase the fertility of the soil, improve the seaworthiness of canoes, and increase the power of the woodcarvers and the weapons they make. It can also inspire love, make people sick, kill people, control the weather, and make trade partners yield the desired item(s). Lime spatulas can also be infused with magical powers. The spatulas are carried by their owners on trade journeys and a spatula with a human figure may be given protective qualities by a magician to keep its owner safe on these journeys. Previous page   |   Next page   |   Introduction Lime Spatula Trobriand Islands Wood, Lime Click photo for detail of carving
			© 1997 Lewis/Wara Gallery.