Ladle (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

20th century
Yoruba
Decorative Arts
Tools, Equipment, Utensils
wood
Nigeria, Republic of Benin
Overall: 21 7/16 × 4 15/16 × 2 1/16 in. (54.45 × 12.54 × 5.24 cm)
2007.119
For the Yoruba, art is intimately connected to life, which explains the aesthetic impulse even in household implements. Sculpted into this wooden ladle is the figure of a kneeling woman holding her breasts, a gesture of generosity and greeting. Thiswell-known motif, coupled with the ladle (a serving tool), emphasizes the traditional role of women as nurturers and caregivers.
Gift of Roger A. Provencher
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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