Ceremonial Ladle (Wunkirmian or Wakemia)

possibly late 1800s or early 1900s

Ceremonial Ladle (Wunkirmian or Wakemia), possibly late 1800s or early 1900s. Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Dan-style carver. Wood, twine, and possibly resin; overall: 56.8 x 11.2 x 7 cm (22 3/8 x 4 7/16 x 2 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Trust 2013.52 An emblem of great prestige, this human-shaped ladle would have been owned by a distinguished married woman recognized for her talents as a farmer and her exceptional generosity and hospitality. One of her responsibilities was to host a grand Feast of Merit when she, along with other highly respected women, prepared food for a large number of local and foreign guests. During the feast the women danced brandishing their rice-filled ladles while singing in strident voices. This ladle was a status symbol for a notable woman.