Ceremonial Spoon

Wakemia or Wunkirmian

Dan People

Côte d'Ivoire

20th century

Collected by naturalist and philanthropist Eli Weiss in the 1980’s.

21” long x 2.5” wide x 2.5” deep

Carved Wood Stirring Spoon with carved Dan Female in traditional sculpted coiffure.from a similar piece in collection of the Met :

“Artists in Dan communities of the Guinea coast have mastered the art of carving impressive, large wooden spoons that are virtuoso works of sculpture. The spoons are known by many names, including wake mia or wunkirmian, which roughly translates as "spoon associated with feasts." The spoons range in size from a foot to two feet and have one or (rarely) two parallel bowls. The handle of the spoon is always decorated and often is related to the human form.

Among the Dan, the owner of the spoon is called wa ke de, "at feasts acting woman." It is a title of great distinction that is given to the most hospitable woman of the village. With the honor, however, comes responsibility—the wa ke de must prepare the large feast that accompanies masquerade ceremonies. The event creates a profound visual analogy that honors the hostess, and women in general, as a source of food and life.

In addition to being emblems of honor, wunkirmian also have spiritual power. They are a Dan woman's chief liaison with the power of the spirit world and a symbol of that connection. Among the Dan, the wunkirmian have been assigned a role among women that is comparable to that which masks serve among the men. In many instances, wunkirmian are featured in the same ceremonies with masks, tossing rice in front of them as a blessing while they proceed through the village.”

Great Earth LLC

Carbondale, Colorado

Representing the Eli Weiss Collection of African Art.  

A lifetime of travel, passion, activism, philanthropy and genuine humanity lead to the accumulation of these wonderful objects spanning a great breadth of the African continent. 

A vast collection of Significant works of Art & vintage ‘Of Culture’ craft works produced for collectors.

Steven is an Artist, Educator and Dealer with an excellent reputation and 25 years of professional experience.

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