Dan Wood Ceremonial Spoon

A big shallow bowl on a short neck, and just one mark to decorate it.

Dan carvers of Liberia, West Africa, made this ceremonial spoon in wood in the 20th century. Large spoons in Dan communities are commonly associated with the wife who is admired for her hospitality, and they carry honor as well as use. This one has a wide, oval bowl and a long handle that swells into a rounded knob at the base. Fine cross lashing binds the neck where bowl and handle meet. The wood is a light honey brown, smooth to the eye, with darker notches near the rim.

About twelve inches long. Serves nothing and commands everything.