|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Dan Sculptures : Dan Wooden Wunkirmian Ladle
|
 |
|
|
|
Dan Wooden Wunkirmian Ladle - PF.6000
Origin: Liberia
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
5" (12.7cm) high
x 7.5" (19.1cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
$6,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The respect that is accorded women who have
attained positions of authority and honor is made
visible among the Dan people by the large
wooden ladles known as wunkirmian. The ladles
had spiritual power for the women the way
masks had power for the men. The spoon bears
an idealized portrait of the owner as a young
woman at the moment she began her role as
mother and wife. The spoons are carved for
women who are recognized by other women of
the town as the most hospitable persons in a
community. The spoons serve as symbol of that
status and are used as a kind of dance wand
when the honored women dances through the
town accompanied by her own entourage of
women. At special feasts, she dances with the
ladle and directs the distribution of rice to those
assembled. An elderly honoree passes the ladle
and the honor on to the one she sees fit as a
successor.
This ladle is a particularly fine example. Both the
smoothly polished woman’s head, perfectly
capturing the idealized forms of youthful
feminine beauty with her elegantly braided
coiffure that framed her face, and the delicately
incised patterns that decorate the sides reveals
this ladle to be the work of a master carver.
Clearly such a gorgeous item, like fine China or
silver in our homes, is not to be used daily.
Much as we bring out our best China to honor
special occasions or important diner guests, this
ladle is reserved for ceremonial usage. The
beauty of this woman’s visage, like the beauty of
the ladle, is immediately evident. Our eyes open
wide, tantalized by the stunning artistry of this
piece, much like our mouth would be agape
anticipating the bountiful nourishment this ladle
suggests in it’s memorial to a special woman of
the Dan tribe.
- (PF.6000)
|
| |
|
