Spear Spoon

Norm Sartorius, Spear Spoon, 1997, African blackwood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.51, © 1997, Norm Sartorius
Norm Sartorius, Spear Spoon, 1997, African blackwood, 7820 782 12 in. (2.2536.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.51, © 1997, Norm Sartorius

Artwork Details

Title
Spear Spoon
Date
1997
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
7820 782 12 in. (2.2536.4 cm)
Copyright
© 1997, Norm Sartorius
Credit Line
Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums
Mediums Description
African blackwood
Classifications
Object Number
2003.60.51

Artwork Description

Norm Sartorius uses the natural form of the wood to define each spoon's shape, and in this piece we can still see where another branch forked away from the handle. The narrow, pointed bowl and thin handle evoke a weapon, as if this spoon were designed to be thrown at an enemy rather than used for the simple tasks of cooking and eating. The contrasts between light and dark wood emphasize the piece's sleek form and simple design, while the ridges along the handle form a comfortable grip for the user.

Works by this artist (9 items)

Norm Sartorius, Spoon from a Forgotten Ceremony, 1994, dogwood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John and Robyn Horn, 1994.75, © 1994, Norm Sartorius
Spoon from a Forgotten Ceremony
Date1994
dogwood
Not on view
Norm Sartorius, Conquistador, 2012, Honduras rosewood burl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur S. Bresler, S. Bruce and Eleanor Heister, Patricia A. McCauley, James L. Pavitt and Carolyn K. Stettner, and Kenneth Spitzbard, 2012.46, © 2012, Norm Sartorius
Conquistador
Date2012
Honduras rosewood burl
Not on view
Norm Sartorius, Antarctic Beech Letter Opener, 2006, myrtle beech, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ronald and Kay Springwater, 2012.26.1, © 2006, Norm Sartorius
Antarctic Beech Letter Opener
Date2006
myrtle beech
Not on view
Norm Sartorius, Mutation, 1999, Mexican blue oak burl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John and Robyn Horn, Fleur Bresler, and Kenneth R. Trapp, 2000.15, © 1999, Norm Sartorius
Mutation
Date1999
Mexican blue oak burl
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Jon Sauer, Zig Zag Bottle, 1993, African blackwood and boxwood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.52A-D
Zig Zag Bottle
Date1993
African blackwood and boxwood
Not on view
Bud Latven, Integration, 1992, maple and African blackwood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.32, © 1992, Bud Latven
Integration
Date1992
maple and African blackwood
Not on view
Dennis Elliott, Untitled (Wall Sculpture), 1992, big-leaf maple burl, African blackwood, metal, and avonite, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Honor Scott, 1992.44, © 1992, Dennis Elliott
Untitled (Wall Sculpture)
Date1992
big-leaf maple burl, African blackwood, metal, and avonite
Not on view