Photographs © Tim Hamill
DAN
Spoon 31
18.5"
$1000
SOLD
This spoon has been vetted as being authentic, with evidence of age or use. It has been evaluated by a French expert as dating from the early 20th century.
Large ceremonial ladles are carved to honor a particular Dan woman from each village quarter who has distinguished herself among her fellow women by generosity and hospitality. The ladles had spiritual power for the women the way masks had power for the men. At special feasts, she dances with the ladle and directs the distribution of rice to those assembled. An elderly honoree passes the ladle and the honor on to the one she sees fit as a successor.
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