Wooden Spatula with Seated Figure

Kisar Island, Indonesia
19th c

Provenance: Rodger Dashow collection, Boston

This well-worn wooden spatula originates from Kisar Island, Indonesia, and bears evidence of extensive use, with a heavily encrusted surface and subtle wear patterns. Once wrapped with cord—likely for measuring purposes—faint impressions remain along the handle, indicating its utilitarian function within daily or ritual practices.

Atop the spatula sits a classically rendered anthropomorphic figure in a seated posture, arms folded over bent knees. Despite surface erosion, traces of elongated earlobes and a crown-like headdress are still discernible, suggesting the figure’s high-ranking ancestral significance. The stylization aligns with known sculptural conventions from the region, reflecting the island’s distinctive material culture and its integration of functional objects with spiritual or social meaning.