Ritual Ladle
Timor, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Collected before 1925 by W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, author of “Kunst Van Timor”
By descent to family member
Missing its gourd cup which was attached at its end, this wooden ladle was used to make offerings of sacred water at important ceremonies. It’s carved in the form of a large bird. The feather details covering most of the bird’s surface, are carefully carved, and seem to” rustle in the wind”. Viewing the handle from its front and back, the artist carved a vertical ridge, giving the sculpture added dimension. Important to note wooden ladle handles from Timor are much rarer than the more commonly found spoons carved from buffalo horn.
Ritual Ladle
Timor, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Collected before 1925 by W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, author of “Kunst Van Timor”
By descent to family member
Missing its gourd cup which was attached at its end, this wooden ladle was used to make offerings of sacred water at important ceremonies. It’s carved in the form of a large bird. The feather details covering most of the bird’s surface, are carefully carved, and seem to” rustle in the wind”. Viewing the handle from its front and back, the artist carved a vertical ridge, giving the sculpture added dimension. Important to note wooden ladle handles from Timor are much rarer than the more commonly found spoons carved from buffalo horn.