Dan Wood Anthropomorphic Spoon, Based

Hospitality in Liberia can be measured by the size of the spoon.

Large ceremonial spoons there were tied to generosity, and a figural handle made this one more than a utensil. Carved in the 20th century. The broad, oval bowl is pale, worn smooth from use, its rim slightly chipped. Below a ringed collar the handle divides into two muscular legs that bow outward and end in neatly carved feet with incised ankle bands. The legs carry a glossy dark patina. Eleven and a half inches on its base.

It stands on its own legs. Most spoons cannot.