Spoon Handle in the Form of a Mother and Child

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Spoon Handle in the Form of a Mother and Child

Culture Lumbo

Title Spoon Handle in the Form of a Mother and Child

Date 19th–mid 20th century

Medium Wood

Dimensions Object: 5 3/8 × 1 7/8 × 1 1/2 in. (13.7 × 4.8 × 3.8 cm)
Overall: 5 3/8 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (13.7 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm)

Credit Line Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 75.99.5

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About this Work

The asymmetry of this sculpture, which was cut from the top of a spoon, sets it apart from much African art. It also creates a sense of informality, even playfulness, which is reinforced by the way the child hangs on to his mother's head. Like most depictions of children in African art, this one is shown as a miniature adult.

Provenance
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Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Spoon Handle in the Form of a Mother and Child | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=75.99.5