Big ceremonial spoon "wa ke mia"
Côte d'Ivoire, Dan
not available anymore
Provenance
Michael Oliver, New York, USA (1970s)Sebastian Fernandez, New York, USA
Size
H: 52 cm
H: 20.5 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, the handle carved with janiform zoomorphic head, incised ornaments on the backside, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
part of the belongings of a “wunkirle”, a married highly esteemed woman of the village. The big spoons are signs of dignity, they were exclusively used for the ritual carrying of rice. The “wunkirle” had to prepare meals for feasts in the circumcision camps as well as on great days and for every visitor of the village. In order to meet this demand she needs a helping spirit, which is manifested in the big spoon “wa ke mia”.
Comparing literature
Cuillers sculptures, Paris 1990-1991, p. 88 Homberger, Lorenz (Hg.), Löffel in der Kunst Afrikas, Zürich 1990, p. 30Publications
AHDRC: 0139794