Overview

A figural face spoon hand-carved from a single piece of wood, incised “NP” on the back of the head. The piece is consistent with the work of Nicolae (Neculai) Popa (1919–2010) of Târpești, Neamț County, Romania, a celebrated naive sculptor and founder of a village ethnographic museum. It likely dates to the late 20th century and comes from The Craft World Tours Collection, whose Romania itineraries included visits with Popa.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: Decorative ceremonial spoon, approximately 15″ long and about 2.25″ wide, with a mask-like head at one end and a plain oval bowl at the other.
Artistry & Ornamentation: Head with domed cap, long wedge nose, ringed eyes with dark centers and a comb-like carved mustache; the back of the head carved with a notched brow and round ear discs. The handle is pierced with a rectangular sawtooth-edged window set between two blocks of chip-carved diamonds and triangles. Likely a pale hardwood with a warm aged tone.
Structural Base: Rests on the back of the bowl and head; “NP” incised on the reverse of the head.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: A dark stain streak through the center of the bowl and a short hairline check near its lower edge; minor edge losses and a few raised splinters on the chip-carved blocks; light residue in the carved recesses, consistent with age and handling.
Structural Integrity: Appears solid and stable. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

Shop the Collection

Romanian Carved Wood Face Spoon with Pierced Sawtooth-Window Handle, Signed NP, Nicolae Popa Folk Art