Anthropomorphic spoon "kalukili" or "kakili" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3033781

Description

ivory, remains of dark brown patina, dotted pattern, abrasion;
ivory spoons seem to emphasize continuity, perhaps through reference to feeding and growth. Older men who are high-level members of “bwami” eat with an ivory spoon, reminding those watching of their status and value to the community. Spoons are also used in circumcision rites. Men place an ivory spoon in the mouth of a young boy for him to bite on during his circumcision.

The object Anthropomorphic spoon “kalukili” or “kakili” with the object ID 3033781 was part of the auction 71st tribal art auction on November 24, 2012. The object with the lot number 395 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,600 with an asking price of EUR 1,200.

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Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 89 f.