Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä)

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Spoon Topped with Bovine (Iri Ganä)

The Guro carve small eating spoons, or iri gane, for use as prestige objects. They indicate the owner's wealth and sophistication, since only a rich man can afford to commission such spoons. The animal most frequently carved at the end of the handle is the forest buffalo, a fearful and powerful being in Guro mythology. The owner seeks to identify himself with the animal, thereby enhancing his status in society.

Culture: Guro
Medium: Wood
Place Made: Marahoué or Haut Sassandra Region, Ivory Coast
Dates: 20th century
Dimensions: 7 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 in. (17.8 x 5.7 x 5.4 cm)
Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 1993.180.9
Credit Line: Gift of Dorothy Robbins
Image: Overall, 1993.180.9_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph