WAKEMIA DAN SPOON, Ivory Coast Medium-hard wood... Lot 7

WAKEMIA DAN SPOON, Ivory Coast Medium-hard wood with a glossy brown patina. H. 38 cm Anthropomorphic wakemia spoon, the stretched spoon forming a head, the bust punctuated by an umbilicus inscribed on curved legs according to the canons of the style. The detail of the ringed neck and the notches decorating the grip reinforce the idea of preciousness imprinted by the soft, shiny patina. This type of work was reserved for the wunkirle, women known for their hospitable qualities, and in whose honour it was carved. The elegant proportions and finesse of this wakemia spoon make it a fine example of the type.