Bidspirit auction | Carved Horn Spoon or Ladle,

Carved Horn Spoon or Ladle, Possibly East Africa, 20th Century - Africa, possibly East Africa, 20th century A finely carved horn spoon or ladle, worked in a richly translucent amber and chestnut-brown horn with an elongated, gently concave bowl and a tapering cylindrical handle rising to a pointed terminal. The handle is divided by incised ring bands and subtle graduated sections, giving the piece a refined architectural quality. The upper bowl is carved with an arched projection below the handle, while the natural translucency of the horn creates striking depth and variation in tone. Mounted on a custom black metal display stand, the object presents as both a functional utensil and sculptural form. The precise cultural attribution is uncertain; while possibly East African in origin, the material and form may relate more broadly to carved horn spoon traditions across Africa and other indigenous regions. Size: 12 1/4” L Ex-Dowling Collection, Ex-Northern California Estate Condition: Condition: Surface wear, minor abrasions, age lines, and natural variations to the horn; mounted on later custom stand.