Circa 1200-1500 AD. Large anthropic-zoomorphic ritual spoon. A dense volcanic stone, possibly meta basalt. A full-figure shaman has a bird emerging from his head. His hands are next to his head and his knees slightly extend outward suggesting he is sitting. The central hollow on the stomach suggests a hallucinogenic dosing cup used by the Taino during large cohabit or yopo ceremonies. This symbolic indention implies this spoon was probably used to distribute cohoba or yopo. Another connecting symbol is the bird atop the shaman’s head. Birds were mediators and spirit guides during transcendental journeys. The handle is massive for a spoon. 3 1/2″ wide x 12 1/4″ long. Minor nick to rim of bowl. From the estate of Roy Craven, Professor of Art History, Univ. of Florida 1994 to Roberts collection.
