Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Timor Island, Tetum, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A remarkable spoon, skillfully carved from the horn of a buffalo to present a shallow, ovoid bowl and an elongated, curved stem or handle. The fascinating handle features a lovely, stylized design of 4 circles arranged in an alternating pattern with 4 projecting rectangular forms, all incised with intricate geometric designs on both sides and capped with a pointed, spear-like tip. Three of the rectangles present a duck head on each projecting end, while the top rectangle instead has a duck head on one end and a flared tail at the other. A trapezoidal form topped by a concave hexagon - likely intended to serve as the grip - present at the center of the rectangle and circle pattern. A crisscross symbol additionally adorns the verso of the hexagon. Size: 9.5" L x 2.3" W (24.1 cm x 5.8 cm); 9.4" H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Ritual spoons like this example are typically carved by Timorese men. According to the Dallas Museum of Art, "The splendidly decorated ritual spoons were found over a much larger area than West Timor. The most impressive specimens, often adorned with beautiful openwork carving, are probably those of the Tetun in Central Timor. An interesting feature of their decora­tion is the frequent use of human figures, as well as the bird motif. Both subjects are sometimes rendered in high relief, and in some rare cases the human figures are even partially three-dimensional. These human shapes probably had a meaning comparable to that of the birds, signifying that the deceased had said his farewells to the community and was now a part of the realm of the ancestors."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York, USA, acquired from 1950 to 1970

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#168445

Expected light scratches and abrasions, commensurate with age and use. Intact and excellent with nice patina.