Details
ITEM NAME:
Dan Spoon
ITEM #:
5609
ETHNICITY:
Dan
ORIGIN:
Liberia
MEDIUM:
Wood.
DIMENSIONS:
20.75″ Tall (52.7 cm) on Stand
CONDITION:
Excellent
NOTE:
Displayed on custom Stand
PROVENANCE:
Jean-Pierre Hallet Estate Collection – California, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
The Dan Spoon is more than just a utensil; it’s a symbol of hospitality, a testament to culinary artistry, and a significant cultural artifact that carries the essence of African tradition. Originating from the esteemed Jean-Pierre Hallet Estate collection, this piece is not only a collector’s dream but a beautiful homage to the vital roles women play in preparing communities for the deeply spiritual masquerade events.
The Dan Spoon is an emblem of status among women in the community. Selected as the main hostess of the feast, the carrier of this spoon is acknowledged as the most hospitable woman of her lineage, parading through town with pride and recognition. This spoon is not merely a tool but a visual representation of honor and respect towards the woman’s culinary and organizational talents.
Just as a mask may choose its masquerader through dreams, the spirit of the Dan Spoon selects its custodian in a similar ethereal manner. This spiritual connection deepens the value of the spoon, intertwining dreams, aspirations, and the sacred duty of hosting. It’s a testament to the profound link between art, the spiritual world, and the societal role of women.
Beyond its symbolic importance, the Dan Spoon is a marvel of aesthetic perfection. Its curves, envisioned to comfortably fit in the hostess’s hands, serve both a practical purpose in hospitality and a deeper, symbolic celebration of femininity. The skillful carving, with exaggerated proportions of hips, legs, and feet, balances the spoon’s bowl both visually and physically, making it a captivating extension of the hostess herself.
