Big ceremonial spoon "wa ke mia"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, an oval bowl-shaped deepened spoon, handle in shape of a human head with full lips, narrow slit eyes framed by metal sheet, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion and usage, on 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”.

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Littérature comparée

Fischer, Eberhard, Himmelheber, Hans, Die Kunst der Dan, Zürich 1976, p. 156, ill. 150

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