Dan Wake Mia Magalümia spoon
Anthropomorphic objects in African art
Belgian Tribal Art Collector, François C. Bazelaire, artist painter and tribal art expert
Dan's ritual spoons are famous in African art. Anthropomorphic in shape, they are called wunkirmian or wake mia. They went out during important festivals and ceremonies. On these occasions, they were given to the women of the village considered to be the most generous and hospitable.
The selected woman called wake, meaning "woman acting at festivals" or wunkirle "most hospitable woman" was in charge of the supervision and preparation of the village festivals during various celebrations, as well as the distribution of rice to the children and members of the village. town. We see a good example on the attached context photo.
In addition to being emblems of honor, traditional spoons of this type possess spiritual power. The object forms the primary link between female Dan and the power of the spirit world.
The spoon that I am offering you here is of a particular subtype called magalümia, recognizable by its small muscular legs attached to a narrow pelvis.
01527
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1940
- Size
- 56,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- François C. Bazelaire, painter and sculptor, Bruxelles
- Condition
- Excellent
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Anthropomorphic objects in African art
Belgian Tribal Art Collector, François C. Bazelaire, artist painter and tribal art expert
Dan's ritual spoons are famous in African art. Anthropomorphic in shape, they are called wunkirmian or wake mia. They went out during important festivals and ceremonies. On these occasions, they were given to the women of the village considered to be the most generous and hospitable.
The selected woman called wake, meaning "woman acting at festivals" or wunkirle "most hospitable woman" was in charge of the supervision and preparation of the village festivals during various celebrations, as well as the distribution of rice to the children and members of the village. town. We see a good example on the attached context photo.
In addition to being emblems of honor, traditional spoons of this type possess spiritual power. The object forms the primary link between female Dan and the power of the spirit world.
The spoon that I am offering you here is of a particular subtype called magalümia, recognizable by its small muscular legs attached to a narrow pelvis.