Photo of collection object Feast Ladle (Wunkermian)
Dan. Feast Ladle (Wunkermian), early 20th century. Wood, copper alloy, fiber, 22 3/8 x 5 x 5 in. (56.8 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm). Gift of Blake Robinson, 1998.80.4. Creative Commons-BY.

Feast Ladle (Wunkermian)

early 20th century

Dan

Arts of Africa

Hospitality is an important virtue in African societies. Among the Dan, the woman with the greatest reputation for hospitality is known as a wunkirle. On public occasions, she carries as a staff of office a spoon known as a wunkirmian. The large bowl of the spoon suggests the ample quantities of rice she has given away. The ram's head commonly denotes power among the Dan, but it may also refer to the use of rams as sacrifices at the feasts over which a wunkirle presides.

Maker/Artist
Dan
Classification
Accessories
Formatted Medium
Wood, copper alloy, fiber
Locations
Place made: Liberia
Dimensions
22 3/8 x 5 x 5 in. (56.8 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm)
Departments
Arts of Africa
Accession Number
1998.80.4
Credit Line
Gift of Blake Robinson
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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