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Ceremonial Ladle (Wunkirmian or Wakemia)
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An emblem of great prestige, this human-shaped ladle would have been owned by a distinguished married woman recognized for her talents as a farmer and her exceptional generosity and hospitality. One of her responsibilities was to host a grand Feast of Merit when she, along with other highly respected women, prepared food for a large number of local and foreign guests. During the feast the women danced brandishing their rice-filled ladles while singing in strident voices.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Dan-style carver |
|---|---|
| Date | possibly late 1800s or early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Dan-style carver |
| Medium | Wood, twine, and possibly resin |
| Dimensions | Overall: 56.8 x 11.2 x 7 cm (22 3/8 x 4 7/16 x 2 3/4 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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