A large Yoruba ceremonial spoon that was perhaps once used to bring sacrificial drinks to the ‘holy’ shrine. It is elaborately carved from lightweight, light-coloured wood and dyed black. It has a deep, oval bowl (length: 20.5 cm; width: 10 cm, depth: c. 6 cm). The long, figuratively carved handle connects directly to the bowl of the spoon – they have been carved from the same piece of wood. Two female figures, each one around 25 cm tall, kneel in opposite directions (one with her head facing upwards, the other with her head facing downwards) on top of a sort of ‘base plate’ that lies between them. The woman nearest to the bowl of the spoon (with her head facing downwards) carries a flat bag on both sides (probably for sacrificial offerings). The straps of the bag hang over her shoulders, both her arms are holding onto the straps. The woman who kneels above her carries in both hands a full, round bag in front of her. A round, smooth handle emerges from her head, that finishes in a clenched fist. Both women wear long ribbons on their backs as decoration (probably covered with glass pearls or cowries), they hang down their backs from the top of their heads. The women display towering braided hairstyles and customary tribal decorative scarification marks on their heads and bodies.
It is overall a very carefully crafted piece, as befits a sacred object. It has a good, mostly shiny usage patina. No significant damage. Carving style: Oyo or Igbomina region. Length: 86.5 cm (in total). First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Italian private collection.