Ifugao Carved Wooden Ladle or Dipper

This dipper or ladle comprises half a coconut shell that serves as the bowl, and a carved wooden handle. The handle is carved as two figures who appear to be (almost) involved in a sexual act (which is not uncommon among Ifugao spoons, ladles and dippers).

The item is more of a dipper than a ladle on account of its relatively deeper bowl. According to Casal et al, (1981, p. 219) ladles and dippers were used to remove food from cooking pots, and handling liquids such as water, wine and soups.

It is from the Kalanguya people, of the southern Ifugao, whose carving is more rudimentary and whimsical than the other groups of the northern Philippines who took a more formal approach to sculpture. The carving on the handle is particularly whimsical – humorous even.

A hole has been drilled through the buttocks of the top figure to allow suspension when the dipper was not in use.

The combination of a coconut shell with a wooden handle was once relatively common, but is seldom seen now. Few such dippers have been published.

The item is in fine condition with no splits, chips or repairs.

the final image shows an early photographs of Ifugao people.