Spatula with handle decorated with figures with their backs to each other

The top supports two birds.
The blade is carved with the body of a snake (missing).
Ebony wood
Height: 206mm
19th century.
Probably Gawa Island. Trobriand Archipelago

Provenance.
Christenson Australia Collection. N°95267
Sotheby’s Sydney 27/10/1996 lot 204
Harry Beran Collection England. HB665
Collection John & Marcia Friede.Rye. New York USA

Price: €950