Ceremonial ladle
Bali Aga people, Kintamani region, Bali
Wood, coconut shell
15 (38 cm) long
Late 19th century

This is a rare coconut shell holy water dipper from the Bali Aga people of the Kintamani region of Bali, Indonesia. Used to scoop Air Succi holy water by these Hindu-animist mountain people of the Lake Batur area, the undulating carved wood handle has various symbolic meanings. The bird head is that of an Ayam Hutang jungle cockrel, which represents virility and strength. The wavy aspect represents water and the serpent, both associated with abundance and prosperity. The handle has a finely encrusted patina.

The final photograph shows the ladle with another from the same region, also available - please inquire.
#2609 

$900