Spoon "kalukili" · D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3048973
Description
bone,
These spoons belong to the context of the “bwami” society. The possession of these precious objects was reserved for members of the highest initiation level “kindi” and the organizers of the circumcision rites. They were considered treasured heirlooms.
According to Biebuyck these spoons seem to emphasize continuity, perhaps through reference to feeding and growth.
Older men who are high-level members of Bwami eat their porridge with an ivory spoon, reminding all those watching of their status and value to the community.
Spoons also are used in circumcision rites. Young initiates place the spoons between their teeth to stem the pain of the operation.
The object Spoon “kalukili” with the object ID 3048973 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 286 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,800.
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