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Ivory Spoon, 16th century
Sierra Leone; Sapi-Portuguese
Ivory; L. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.116)

A Sapi sculptor may have carved this elegant ivory spoon on commission for a Portuguese sailor as a souvenir or gift. Although the forms and iconography are based on European models, the carving styles reflect Sapi local traditions.


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    Ivory Spoon, 16th century
    Sierra Leone; Sapi-Portuguese
    Ivory; L. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
    The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.116)