Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Timor Island, Tetum, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. An impressive spoon, skillfully carved from the horn of a buffalo to present a shallow, ovoid bowl and a lengthy, curved stem or handle, intricately carved with an elaborate openwork design. The remarkable handle is comprised of an openwork finial of a stylized rosette, a concave grip, and flared edges, as well as 2 projecting openwork rectangles at the shoulder, each featuring an anthropomorphic design. A complex decorative program of spiraling and geometric patterns has been incised on the front and back of the handle. Size: 5.7" L x 2" W (14.5 cm x 5.1 cm); 6.2" H (15.7 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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#168444

Repairs to handle with break lines visible. A few scratches in areas, commensurate with use. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.