Dan / Wè Wobé Ceremonial Spoon, African Art
London, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Other Wood
Style
African
Product Details
Description
Anthropomorphic Ladle
Dan or Wè-Wobé
Ivory Coast
Wood, metal
On a customised stand
Provenance:
Private collection, France
Most likely by the same hand as a Dan spoon auctioned by Christie's, Paris, 11 December 2007, Lot 27
Artists in Dan communities of the Guinea coast have mastered the art of carving impressive, large wooden spoons that
are virtuoso works of sculpture. The spoons are known by many names, including wake mia or wunkirmian, which
roughly translates as "spoon associated with feasts." The spoons range in size from a foot to two feet and have one or
(rarely) two parallel bowls. The handle of the spoon is always decorated and often is related to the human form and
often feature a pair of legs like this example.
Among the Dan, the owner of the spoon is called wa ke de, "at feasts acting woman." It is a title of great distinction that
is given to the most hospitable woman of the village. With the honor, however, comes responsibility—the wa ke de must
prepare the large feast that accompanies masquerade ceremonies. The excellent farming abilities, organizational
talents, and culinary skills of the wa ke de are called upon to properly welcome and celebrate the masquerade spirits.
When a woman has been selected as the main hostess of such a feast, she parades through town carrying the large
spoon as an emblem of her status. On the day of the feast, she dances around the village dressed in men's clothes
because "only men are taken seriously." She carries with her a wunkirmian and displays a bowl filled with small coins or
rice. With help from her numerous assistants (usually female relatives or friends), she distributes grains and coins to the
children of the community while dancing and singing her special shrill song. The deep belly of the spoon from which this
bounty is dispensed becomes the symbolic body or womb of the female figure. The event creates a profound visual
analogy that honors the hostess, and women in general, as a source of food and life.
In addition to being emblems of honor, wunkirmian also have spiritual power. They are a Dan woman's chief liaison with
the power of the spirit world and a symbol of that connection. Among the Dan, the wunkirmian have been assigned a
role among women that is comparable to that which masks serve among the men. In many instances, wunkirmian are
featured in the same ceremonies with masks, tossing rice in front of them as a blessing while they proceed through the
village.
Condition report:
Authentic antique ethnographic object
Wear Condition
Good
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Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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