Horn Spoon & Stand by Henry Bowman

HORN SPOON & STAND
Length: 8 ½”
By Henry Bowman

By Heinz Ahlers
Photography by H. David Wright

The horn spoon donated to this year’s CLF fundraising auction by artist Henry Bowman is a unique work of art that’s sure to grace any collection of early American collectibles.

“The inspiration for this piece,” explains the artist, “came while I was looking at photos of 19th-century effigy spoons made by the tribes of the Pacific northwest.” Bowman’s contemporary interpretation of tribal art has resulted in a pleasing tribute to American liberty.

The entire piece, measuring 8 ½” long, is ingeniously crafted from just two pieces of material. The handle of the spoon is shaped from a whitetail deer antler; a bald eagle, also hand carved from the antler, peers over the top of the spoon. For the spoon’s bowl and the eagle’s wings, Bowman utilized a single piece of cow horn which was molded, carved, and dyed. The spoon’s bowl also sports an engraving of the timeless opening words to the U.S. Constitution: “We the People.” The spoon comes complete with a custom hardwood display stand.

A longtime enthusiast of early American history, Bowman is a member of the Honorable Company of Horners. For the artist, the most valuable benefit of being a part of the CLA community “is the friendships that I have been blessed with.” “I donated this piece,” explains Bowman, “in the hope of supporting the CLA as it carries the crafts and lifestyle to future generations of artisans.”

For more information on the work of Henry Bowman, contact the artist directly at: hbowman@hughes.net