Guro. Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä), 20th century. Wood, 7 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 in. (17.8 x 5.7 x 5.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dorothy Robbins, 1993.180.9. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1993.180.9_PS9.jpg)
Guro. Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä), 20th century. Wood, 7 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 in. (17.8 x 5.7 x 5.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dorothy Robbins, 1993.180.9. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1993.180.9_bw.jpg)
Guro. Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä), 20th century. Wood, 7 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 in. (17.8 x 5.7 x 5.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dorothy Robbins, 1993.180.9. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1993.180.9_detail_PS9.jpg)
Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä)
Arts of Africa
The Guro carve small eating spoons, or iri gane, for use as prestige objects. They indicate the owner's wealth and sophistication, since only a rich man can afford to commission such spoons. The animal most frequently carved at the end of the handle is the forest buffalo, a fearful and powerful being in Guro mythology. The owner seeks to identify himself with the animal, thereby enhancing his status in society.
- Possible place made: Haut Sassandra Region, Côte d'Ivoire
- Place made: Marahoué Region, Côte d'Ivoire
