Ceremonial Spoon
Sa’dan Toraja, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Collected in the 1970’s by Emile Deletaille, Brussels
This rice spoon is very similar to the one conserved in the Metropolitan Museum, from the Fred and Rita Richman collection (accession no. 1988.143.136). One can admire the economy of means with its minimal and pure lines, combined with noble materials: the wooden spoon is inlaid with buffalo horn. The wood is nicely aged with a dark patina, suggesting usage over a long period of time. The Toraja of Sulawesi are renowned for their refined woodcraft, simple, elegant and with a scarcity of ornaments.
Ceremonial Spoon
Sa’dan Toraja, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Collected in the 1970’s by Emile Deletaille, Brussels
This rice spoon is very similar to the one conserved in the Metropolitan Museum, from the Fred and Rita Richman collection (accession no. 1988.143.136). One can admire the economy of means with its minimal and pure lines, combined with noble materials: the wooden spoon is inlaid with buffalo horn. The wood is nicely aged with a dark patina, suggesting usage over a long period of time. The Toraja of Sulawesi are renowned for their refined woodcraft, simple, elegant and with a scarcity of ornaments.