Luba Songye ritual spoon
Central African ritual spoons
The primary and original function of the spoon changed as it was used for other purposes. However, it is not always easy to distinguish its secondary role from its primary function. It is not to be denied that the function of the spoon was intentionally transformed to play other roles, in some cases it was closely associated, as a signifying symbol, with political authority, social prestige and religious hierarchy
It became an external sign of wealth and, by analogy, of fecundity, since a well-made spoon belongs to the one who can afford an abundant and varied diet, who can present offerings to the ancestors and thus gain their good grace, and to the one who wants to ensure the protection of the spirits, sometimes represented on the spoons themselves as a symbol of generosity and hospitality
01686
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 26 cm
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- J. A. Gibb, Peoria, USA
- Condition
- Excellent
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Central African ritual spoons
The primary and original function of the spoon changed as it was used for other purposes. However, it is not always easy to distinguish its secondary role from its primary function. It is not to be denied that the function of the spoon was intentionally transformed to play other roles, in some cases it was closely associated, as a signifying symbol, with political authority, social prestige and religious hierarchy
It became an external sign of wealth and, by analogy, of fecundity, since a well-made spoon belongs to the one who can afford an abundant and varied diet, who can present offerings to the ancestors and thus gain their good grace, and to the one who wants to ensure the protection of the spirits, sometimes represented on the spoons themselves as a symbol of generosity and hospitality