Object Details
- Label Text
- The Zulu carve spoons from a soft wood that is cut and shaped, then smoothed with an abrasive bark. Typically they are ornamented by leaving a raised area on the handle that is textured with incised linear designs. Such spoons are not only functional but testify to the ability of the family to offer hospitality, which is a status symbol.
- Description
- Wood spoon with a shallow circularl bowl and a long cylindrical handle with a raised band less than half the way up.
- Provenance
- Michael Graham-Stewart, London, -- to 1989
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Zulu artist
- Date
- Late 19th-early 20th century
- Credit Line
- Acquisition grant from the James Smithson Society
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- L x W x D: 36.0 x 5.2 x 2.5 cm (14 3/16 x 2 1/16 x 1 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
