Wee peoples, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire
Late 19th to mid-20th century
Wood, metal, oil patina
62.5 x 16.5 x 8.5 cm (24 5/8 x 6 1/2 x 3 3/8 in.)
2005-6-58, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 33)
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The Wee and other neighboring peoples honor the woman who can feed her household and accommodate, with a generous hand, unexpected visitors, traveling musicians and seasonal farm workers. The emblem of her achievement is a specially carved ceremonial spoon that may be a generalized portrait of the owner. On special occasions she holds the spoon as she dances with attendants.
As in many African cultures, beauty is linked with moral values-in this case, hard work. The success of the woman also reflects the hard work and achievement of her husband, who supports her generosity.
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