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African Dan Wunkirmian Ladle Figure
$1,680
About
This unusual ladle, carved with a pair of legs in place of a handle, is a ceremonial figure used by the Dan people of Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, commonly referred to as wunkirmian or "spoon of feasts." An emblem of status and responsibility, the ladle is wielded by an individual woman, selected for her industriousness and unmatched generosity. This woman, known as the wunkirle, cares for the entire village, offering her hospitality at a moment's notice and coordinating the large feasts that accompany public masquerades. Followed by a line of women carrying various foods, she carries the wunkirmian ladle through town, distributing the feast to everyone in the community. This symbolic role of women as the source of food and life is echoed in the ladle itself - the bowl a symbol of the womb and the legs a symbol of sharing with others.
Details
- Attributed toDan People (Artist)
- DimensionsHeight: 5.25 in. (13.34 cm)Width: 23 in. (58.42 cm)Depth: 6.25 in. (15.88 cm)
- StyleTribal (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period
- Date of Manufacturecirca 1900
- ConditionWear consistent with age and use.
- Seller LocationChicago, IL
- Reference Number
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping$110 Standard Parcel Shippingto anywhere in the world, arrives in 3-5 weeks. We recommend this shipping type based on item size, type and fragility.Delivered by a parcel delivery service such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL.Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
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About the SellerLocated in Chicago, IL
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PAGODA RED is a renowned resource for designers as well as collectors of contemporary and ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. They offer a curated edit of fine and provincial furniture, ceramics, scholars' objects, and paintings and textiles, each piece historically and geographically authentic.
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