African art small paddle or scoop

I just joined forum...this is my first post. I recently purchased this from an estate in Washington DC. It is 10 inches long and 5 inches wide. I would like any info on origin and age...

 

The straight hair of the woman does not scream Africa at me.
This is where I have to start guessing, based on some knowledge which I will share with you:
It looks very much like a rice scoop. The erotic subject is something you see a lot in folk carving of rural East Java and rural Bali, so again Indonesia. These areas have an Animist-Hindu culture. So my guess is a rice scoop from the rural areas of East Java (i.e. Tenggerese mountains) or Bali. Possibly further east, but not from a strict Islamic area.

 

I will look in that direction I did see evidence that the family traveled to Bali...so I think that is another great insight...thank you

 

Right area, but not a rice scoop, a rice ear beater from rural Bali. No decoration but it does mention that some beaters have carved handles (english language option upper right hand corner):


http://www.kunst-uit-bali.nl/kunstwerken.aspx?produkt-id=577

 

Two rice scoops from Bali or Lombok (east of Bali) with explicit carved handles:


http://www.kunst-uit-bali.nl/kunstwerken.aspx?produkt-id=392


http://www.kunst-uit-bali.nl/kunstwerken.aspx?produkt-id=391

 

AJ...yer good !!!!!

1900 to 1940....rice ( beater )





Ohhhhhhh...how's that for being sniped !!!!

 

Great minds Komo, and as often, a great cooperation.

 

Thanks guys ... I owe you one

 

come back soon......& run up a tab !

 

Any time. Something you may bear in mind, I don't usually look at Sub-Saharan African art, I only looked this time because of your other thread. If you use the words tribal or ethnic, I'm with you in a flash.

Agree, and as I said before, love your taste.

 

Alan, just a little more info: Apart from the obvious attraction of the carving, there is a link between rice and fertility. Rice is a staple food in Bali. A good crop means life, just like procreation does. A carving like this could help ensure a good harvest.

 

If that handle is about procreation.....they're doing it wrong !

bawhahaha!!!!!!

 

Procreation is about being creative, and Indonesians are a creative people.

 

And a HUGE WELCOME as well, Alan!!!