Description
These sculptural, paddle-like serving spoons are hand-carved in Kenya from olive wood, prized for its dense grain and durability. Each piece shows unique variations in color and pattern, shaped by the wood itself. The smooth bone handles are wrapped with dark stripes inspired by the punda milla—the Swahili word for zebra—giving these practical tools an artful touch. They're perfect not only for salads or grains, but also for passing hand-to-hand along with any shared dishes.
Museum Story
The National Museum of African Art began as a private educational institution in 1964 to promote cross-cultural understanding in the social sciences and arts. Founded by Warren M. Robbins, it was known as the Museum of African Art and located on Capitol Hill in a townhouse that had been the home of Frederick Douglass, the African American abolitionist and statesman. In 1979 the museum became part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Details
- Olive wood, bone
- Approx. 9.5"L x 5"W
- Do not soak or put in dishwasher. Apply food-safe oil or beeswax to wood regularly. Wipe bone handles with a damp cloth.
- Handmade in Kenya
