Southeast Asia, Philippines, Luzon island, Ifugao culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden spoon known as a pakko with a figural handle depicting a figure with either two heads or a head accompanied by a mask. The figure squats with arms resting on knees above the neck of the spoon. He has an elongated head with simplistic features. Surmounted on the top is a second head which may represent a mask, with a perforation through the top. A lustrous dark brown and black patina covers the surface which may have been enhanced by rubbing animal fat into the wood to make it smooth. These ornate spoons were a popular everyday utensils for eating and the figural handles traditionally represent a deity or ancestor figure. Size: 12" L x 2" W x 12.5" H (30.5 cm x 5.1 cm x 31.8 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York City, USA, 1950-1970

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#161438

Loss to right side of mask. Abrasions, nicks, and scratches to high-pointed areas and peripheries. Rich smooth patina.