Lot: 303

77th tribal art auction

Chalk spoon

Nigeria, Igbo

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
American Private Collection H: 12.8 inch 300 EUR
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance

wood, polychrome paint, flat spoon of massive shape, the handle carved with a face, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
kola nut and white chalk are two of the most frequently used and culturally most important substances in the world of the Igbo. They are looked upon as bearer of ritual power and as mediator between man and their deities.


Cole, Herbert M. & Chike C. Aniakor, Chike, Igbo Arts, Los Angeles 1984, p. 64, ill. 105