Cuillère anthropomorphe "kalukili"

Description

ivory, deep lustruous patina, base

The spoons are considered treasured heirlooms and are owned by both the highest initiates and by those of the lower grades of “bwami” who organise traditional ceremonial initiation rites.

The spoons are used in various ways.They are placed in the mouth of young men at the moment of the circumcision operation, and sometimes a relative may place one in the mouth of a family member accused of witchcraft or sorcery and exposed to the ordeal of drinking poison. The spoon then functions to prohibit an ordeal from taking place.

Publications

AHDRC: 0134159

Remarques

This object is subject to CITES. Please note that it can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.