Dan Wood Spoon, Liberia, Based

Somewhere in Liberia, a woman is known as the most generous host in the village. She is given a spoon.

The Dan carved such spoons to honor the most hospitable woman in a community, and she carried hers at feasts as a sign of her standing. This one dates to the 20th century. The handle is a human head with a finely sculpted face, heavy-lidded eyes highlighted in white, a small mouth and a ridged coiffure. A ringed neck descends to a deep, elongated bowl, its interior textured with tool marks.

The patina is dark and glossy, which makes the pale eyes brighter. Nearly two feet tall on its base. A thank-you note, carved in wood.