Mongo Wood Spoon, Democratic Republic of Congo

Pale streaks run across the dark wood like weather on an old boat.

This spoon is Mongo, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Generously sized serving spoons are a familiar form in Central Africa, made for cooking and the sharing of food. A pointed, leaf-shaped bowl is set with a raised ridge running along the inside of the rim. The handle is short and squared, joined smoothly to the bowl. The dark surface is marked with pale streaks and patches of lighter residue, especially toward the tip. It is 7 inches wide, 3 deep and 18 high.

Hard-working, and not ashamed to show it.