Feast Ladle (Wunkermian)
Arts of Africa
Hospitality is an important virtue in African societies. Among the Dan, the woman with the greatest reputation for hospitality is known as a wunkirle. On public occasions, she carries as a staff of office a spoon known as a wunkirmian. The large bowl of the spoon suggests the ample quantities of rice she has given away. The ram's head commonly denotes power among the Dan, but it may also refer to the use of rams as sacrifices at the feasts over which a wunkirle presides.
CULTURE
Dan
MEDIUM
Wood, copper alloy, fiber
DATES
early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
22 3/8 x 5 x 5 in. (56.8 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
1998.80.4
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Blake Robinson
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Feast ladle with elongated bowl and handle with large terminal in the form of a cow's head. The bowl, which is longer than handle, has an underside of seven lengthwise facets. The cow's head has faceted horns, small eyes, and bulbous nose; it is embellished with brass carpet tacks, several of which are missing.
Condition: Good. Overall signs of wear; nicks and scratches.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Dan. Feast Ladle (Wunkermian), early 20th century. Wood, copper alloy, fiber, 22 3/8 x 5 x 5 in. (56.8 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Blake Robinson, 1998.80.4. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1998.80.4_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1998.80.4_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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