African Arts Gallery

Ex-collection French African art

symbols of hospitality in traditional African art For the Dan of Ivory Coast, also called Yacouba, two very distinct universes are opposed: that of the village, composed of its inhabitants, of its animals, and that of the forest, its vegetation and the animals and the spirits that populate it.To these spirits settle, a specific area of ​​the forest is designated and still preserved outside the villages dan. are also required in order to communicate through these spirits.Different types of dan masks have been listed, each with a specific function.The Dan tribal art is also distinguished by its everyday objects, of which the famous carved wooden spoons, Wakémia, used during festive ceremonies, and granted by the villagers to a particularly generous and hospitable woman.The woman will use it to serve the meal and waved it cheerfully during the dances of the hospitable woman". As in many cases, this spoon also reveals prestige: it has indeed a handle in the shape of a human head reminiscent of the wiped mask, whose half-closed eyes are bleached with kaolin and hair underlined fine streaks, and which prolongs his ringed sleeve. A fine network of geometric patterns is outlined on the back of the spoons. Object sold with its removable base.Belle patina of use. Total height with the appropriate base: 58 cm.