Mongo Wood Spoon, Democratic Republic of Congo

Long, wide and dark, it looks more like a canoe than a spoon, and holds about as much.

This spoon is Mongo, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. Carved wooden spoons and ladles are widespread across Central Africa, used for serving and stirring, with the largest often kept for communal meals. The deep oval bowl is carved from a single piece, its edges thin and gently uneven. A short, flat handle extends from one end. The surface is dark and smooth, with a light patina inside the bowl. It is 6 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 15.75 high.

Clearly made with very large helpings in mind.