Dan Ceremonial Spoon
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- Title Dan Ceremonial Spoon
- Category Utilitarian
- Medium Wood
- Dimensions 18"h x 4"w x 2.5"d
- Year Completed Undated
- Notes Ceremonial wooden spoons such as this are created by carvers from the Dan ethnic group who live in Liberia and Ivory Coast. These ladles are known as "wake mia" or "wunkirmian" meaning “spoon associated with feasts.” Their female owner is called "wa ke de" meaning “the most hospitable woman.” Ranging in length from 12 to 24 inches, the spoons feature decorated handles, most often a woman’s head, long neck and a large scoop which may represent a womb. The face of the female figure typically has closed eyes, a finely shaped nose, pursed lips, scarification on the cheeks, and braided hair, all marks of beauty and decorum. The ceremonial spoon is a more elaborate version of the large undecorated ladle used by Dan women to dish out rice and other food prepared for their own households.
- Artist Liberian
- Credit John and Janet Yoder Collection
- Location Library Art Storage I6
- Accession Number 2022.0197
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Status
Available
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