Ladle with animal handle
Life Story
This is a rare type of ladle from the Wishram or Wasco people of the Columbia River region, which has a wolf-like quadruped forming the top of the handle (see another in Conn, 1979: no. 347). In addition, this one is carved with a small human head facing in the opposite direction, visible in the detail. A deep groove runs along the underside of the bowl, coming to a point at the lip. The wood is darkened and saturated with oil, probably fish oil, suggesting a long period of use.
Steven Hooper, 1997
Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, Vol. 2: Pacific, African and Native North American Art, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997) p. 288.
Provenance
Purchased by the Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia from Peter Sharrer, New York in 1975 out of funds provided by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury.
Not on display
Title/Description: Ladle with animal handle
Measurements: l. 168 x w. 105 x d. 90 mm
Accession Number: 634
Historic Period: 19th century
Credit Line: Purchased with support from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, 1975
