Gabon Bronze Spoon – Figurative Handle, Attributed to Fang, 23 cm

Description

This Gabon bronze spoon is offered with an attribution to the Fang of Central Africa. It features a rounded bowl, a handle decorated with geometric chevrons and a sculptural human figure at its upper end. The spoon measures 23 cm in length and weighs 544 g.

The figure has clearly defined facial features and a prominent headdress. Its arms bend towards the front of the body, with the hands meeting over the abdomen. The modelling continues on the reverse, giving the terminal a sculptural presence when viewed from different angles.

Gabon bronze spoon: form and decoration

Repeated diagonal lines run along the front of the handle, forming a chevron pattern. This geometric section connects the human figure to the rounded bowl. Side views show the curvature of the bowl and the raised profile of the figurative terminal.

The surface has a dark patina with lighter areas and deposits, particularly within the recessed decoration. Small cavities, scratches and variations in texture can be seen in the detailed photographs. These visible features are described as part of the object’s condition; the nature of the lighter deposits has not been established.

Cultural context and possible ritual function

 Ethnologist Louis Perrois explains that certain Fang spoons were used to administer ritual or magical preparations during initiation ceremonies. Such spoons could be personal possessions, carefully preserved and passed down through inheritance. Some were buried with their owners.

Perrois also describes handles incorporating a head or figure recalling an ancestor. His discussion includes a carved wooden spoon from the Blum collection.

This provides relevant background for understanding ceremonial spoons attributed to the Fang. It does not establish the specific function of this bronze example. Its attribution remains unverified, and no precise date or named initiation rite is assigned to it.

Object details

• Object: anthropomorphic spoon.
• Attribution: Fang, Gabon, Central Africa.
• Material: bronze.
• Decoration: human figure and geometric chevrons.
• Length: 23 cm.
• Weight: 544 g.
• Date: undetermined.

Condition

Surface wear, variations in patina, small cavities and uneven areas are visible. Lighter deposits occur in parts of the decoration and bowl. Please examine the photographs showing the front, reverse, side profile and close-up details of the actual spoon offered.

Further reading

Louis Perrois, “Art Gabon provenant de la collection Blum : Le pouvoir des ancêtres”, section discussing a Fang spoon.