African Arts Gallery

Anthropomorphic spoons are recurring in tribal art. This one is distinguished by its anthropomorphic motif taking up the classic canons that value the mythical hairstyle. Though of ritual use, the spoon also quickly became an emblem of prestige.
The Mangbetu kingdom in northern Congo produced architectural works that impressed European visitors in the 19th century. Their furniture, weapons, ornaments, everyday objects and statuary were imbued with a rare aesthetic quality. The ethnologist G.A. Schweinfurth in 1870 described its symmetry and refinement, while at the same time testifying to the ritual murders and human sacrifices practiced by "the people of the elongated heads".
Height on base: 36 cm.