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

Description

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.