Authentic ritual spoon Luba Songye
  • Authentic ritual spoon Luba Songye

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 

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01686

Data sheet

Presumed dating
Mid XXth century
Size
26 cm
Material(s)
Wood
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Origin
J. A. Gibb, Peoria, USA
Condition
Excellent