Indian Oil Spoon for Puja

A wide-shouldered ladle with a flat handle patterned in chevrons, perched on a black block.

This copper oil spoon for puja is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Small spoons are a familiar part of Hindu puja equipment, used to measure out oil, water or ghee for offerings and for filling lamps. A broad, flat handle carries incised V-shaped marks and tiny dots, narrowing down to a small round cup. The head has a hooded top with a drilled hole. The surface is warm reddish brown and softly worn. It is 1 inches wide and 5 high.

Fancy handwork for something that mostly gets held.