**Originally Listed At $600**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Timor Island, Tetum, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A wonderful pair of spoons, each skillfully carved from the horn of a buffalo to present a shallow, ovoid bowl, a projecting shoulder, and a lengthy, elaborate stem or handle. Enveloped in a hue of mocha, the larger spoon exhibits a concave grip, a curved handle with an intricately incised series of abstract designs, and an openwork finial. Alternatively, the more petite example boasts a shade of caramel and a rectangular handle adorned with openwork S-shaped designs and capped with a concave grip surrounded by bird motifs. The tip of the handle folds over, allowing the lovely ladle to be suspended when stored. Size of largest: 8.5" L x 2.3" W (21.6 cm x 5.8 cm); 8.4" H (21.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Ritual spoons like these examples 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."

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1999.47.60.

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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#168586

Larger has some minor losses and small chips to periphery of bowl and handle. Bowl of more petite spoon has been repaired from at least 3 pieces with break lines visible. Both have expected nicks and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, both are very nice with impressive preservation of detail and lovely patina.