Ritual Spoon

Timor, Indonesia, early 20th c.

Very finely carved spoons of this quality are not easily found today. A flock of birds are playfully carved everywhere on both the front and back of the spoons handle. The negative space outlining the birds adds to the designs impact. Deeply patinated and worn, this piece is a must have for a collector of spoons. On the bottom of the back of the spoon is a carved symbol called a malak, a sort of signature which a Timorese Meo warrior would use to identify all his personal possessions.

The length of this spoon is 9.25 in
IN 4-7-12/ SOLD