Mongo Wood Spoon, Republic of Congo

Nobody carves a spoon this size by accident.

Nearly nineteen inches long, from the Republic of Congo, 20th century. Throughout Central Africa, generous spoons and ladles were used for cooking and serving, and they were often carved with care, valued household objects that might also be displayed or given as gifts.

A deep, boat-shaped bowl tapers into a short flat handle with a flared, fishtail end. Outside, the wood is blackened and finely textured with small tool marks. Inside, a warm reddish-brown, worn smooth by long use.

Hang it on the wall. Dinner will feel more serious.