Spoon (Kalukili)
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Object Label
The Boa and their neighbors, the Lega, carve spoons of elephant ivory and bone. Among the Lega, these are not used for eating but as emblems of the two highest levels of the Bwami society. They are also used symbolically to “feed” masked dancers of the Bwami during performances. (To learn more about Bwami, see the case with three hats to the left.)
Caption
Boa; or Lega. Spoon (Kalukili), 19th century. Ivory, 6 3/4 x 2 3/16 in. (17.1 x 5.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1223. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Spoon (Kalukili)
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Ivory
Classification
Dimensions
6 3/4 x 2 3/16 in. (17.1 x 5.6 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
22.1223
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