Ceremonial spoon "wa ke mia" or "wunkirmian"

wood,

Spoons "wunkirmian" are awarded as a symbol of honour and status to women who have achieved the title of a "wunkirle" or "wakede". This title denotes the most "hospitable" woman in a village.

One of her tasks is to prepare great feasts. To do this, she must be a good farmer and produce bountiful harvests, have good cooking skills and great organisational talent.

Each woman wishes to outshine her competitors to acquire the title of wakede ("queen of the feast"). When the victor is designated, "wakemia" becomes her trophy, which she proudly presents.

These spoons are not only prestige objects and status symbols, but also bearers of spiritual powers.