Origin: Oromo people Country: Ethiopia Material: Wood Presumed age: Mid-20th century Height: 34 cm (37.5 cm with metal stand) Mounted on a custom metal stand for display Provenance: Collected in situ An elegant and finely carved wooden spoon from the Oromo people of central Ethiopia, distinguished by its refined proportions and superb patina of use. Such spoons were everyday domestic objects, yet they were often carefully decorated, reflecting both skill and aesthetic sensibility. The long handle of this example is entirely incised with a delicate dotted pattern, arranged in a rhythmic and balanced composition. Unlike more common geometric motifs of zigzags or diamonds, the use of punctuated decoration gives this spoon a particularly subtle and understated graphic quality. The slender bowl is shaped like a teardrop, enhancing the overall harmony of the form. The wood has developed a deep, dark, and glossy patina through long handling, attesting to age and repeated use. Both functional and sculptural, this spoon stands as a fine example of how utilitarian objects in Oromo culture could achieve a strong aesthetic presence. Highlights - Oromo people, Ethiopia - Mid-20th century - Finely incised dotted decoration - Elegant elongated proportions - Deep, glossy patina of use - Functional object with sculptural quality