An Indonesian, West or Central Timor, Atoni or Tetum Peoples, Carved Buffalo Horn Ceremonial Spoon
An Indonesian, West or Central Timor, Atoni or Tetum Peoples, Carved Buffalo Horn
Ceremonial Spoon
Early 20th Century
Size: 23cm long – 9 ins long
Ceremonial Spoon
Early 20th Century
Size: 23cm long – 9 ins long
Prior to 1975 the coral island of east Timor was a Portuguese colony for almost 460 years. It is now the newest independent state in the world gaining full autonomy in 2002. Thickly forested, coffee and coconuts are the major crops grown for export.
The female figure carved to the handle is most probably a representation of the ‘founder-mother’. She is more usually shown holding her arms raised high into the air. She is a symbol of fertility, the creation of life, and of the founding of the family and tribal society. The spoon was probably used during celebratory head hunting feasts which were outlawed in the 19th century by the European missionaries.
The female figure carved to the handle is most probably a representation of the ‘founder-mother’. She is more usually shown holding her arms raised high into the air. She is a symbol of fertility, the creation of life, and of the founding of the family and tribal society. The spoon was probably used during celebratory head hunting feasts which were outlawed in the 19th century by the European missionaries.
An Indonesian, West or Central Timor, Atoni or Tetum Peoples, Carved Buffalo Horn Ceremonial Spoon
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