20th C. African Igbo Wooden Chalk Spoon

**Originally Listed At $300**

Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden spoon with a finely-detailed face on the handle, perhaps representative of an ancestor. Encompassed by an undulating border, the scoop is adorned with a chalky white pigment, hence the name "chalk spoon", and black painted details. A thick, cylindrical handle conjoins both the scoop and anthropomorphic finial, and a parabolic metal suspension bar is secured on top. The intriguing visage displays full lips held slightly open in a gentle smile, a triangular nose, and bulging, almond-shaped eyes surrounded by thick lashes beneath arched brows. Capped by a thick head of hair, the figure displays a shaved hairline, which accentuates his tall forehead, and lengthy sideburns. Size: 5.25" W x 13.625" H (13.3 cm x 34.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#130644
Condition Report: Chip to nose and proper left ear. Abrasions to periphery of scoop and versos of handle and scoop. Expected surface wear with nicks and scratches, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina, lovely earthen deposits, and good remaining pigments.