Dan Wood Ceremonial Spoon, Based

A spoon with a hole in its head and a lot to say.

Dan carvers of Liberia, West Africa, made this ceremonial spoon in wood in the 20th century. Large spoons among the Dan are commonly associated with hospitality, women’s status and communal feasting. This one has a long curved handle ending in an open ring, studded around its rim with small metal tacks. The bowl is a deep, smooth oval, mended at the join with a tacked metal strip. The wood is black and glossy, rubbed brown on the high points, and the spoon rests on a slim metal stand.

About 18 inches tall. A serving piece that outranks the dinnerware.